Practice Tip of the Week | Using a Conference Justification Worksheet to Request Financial Support

By Elaina Diaz MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN

Attending a professional conference is one of the most valuable ways nurses can strengthen their practice, stay current with evidence-based trends, and bring meaningful innovation back to their organizations. Yet, securing employer support, particularly financial assistance, often requires a clear and well-organized justification. The TNA Annual Conference Justification Worksheet is designed to help attendees articulate the return on investment in a way that aligns their professional goals with organizational priorities. While no tool can guarantee approval, using this worksheet strategically can significantly strengthen your request.

1. Start With Organizational Needs—Not Personal Goals

Employers are more likely to support attendance when they clearly see how it benefits the organization. Begin by reviewing your department’s strategic goals, current challenges, quality metrics, and staffing realities. Use the “Define the Value” section to translate conference offerings into solutions.

Tip: Choose 2–3 high-impact organizational needs (e.g., workforce sustainability, patient safety, clinical education gaps, leadership) and connect each to specific conference sessions, tracks, or speakers.

2. Be Specific and Evidence-Driven

Avoid vague statements like “This will help me grow professionally.” Instead, cite concrete learning outcomes from the agenda. For example:

• “The session on workplace civility directly supports our current healthy work environment initiative.”
• “The leadership track aligns with our charge nurse development plan.”

Tip: Specificity demonstrates intentionality and shows that your requested investment is purposeful, not exploratory. These should be included in the accompanying justification letter.

3. Specificity and Evidence Driven Before the Final Agenda is Release

The abstract review process is currently underway. The conference theme and subthemes are available on the conference webpage. These themes can be linked to organizational needs.

Tip: Subthemes for the annual conference are interprofessional collaboration and unity, advancing innovation and teaching integration in nursing practice and education, strengthening leadership and advocacy skills at all levels of practice, workforce sustainability, professional growth, career transitions, ethical practice, professional accountability, reflective leadership, and transformation in patient care and health systems.

4. Highlight How the Organization Will Benefit After You Return

Use the worksheet to outline how you plan to disseminate knowledge, such as:

• Leading an in-service
• Updating policy or education materials
• Creating a micro-learning series for staff
• Presenting at a staff meeting or council

Tip: Include a simple timeline in the accompanying justification letter. Leaders appreciate knowing exactly how the learning will be applied.

5. Provide a Realistic and Transparent Expense Estimate

In the “Estimate the Costs” section, list all anticipated costs. Be thorough but realistic, rounding up slightly ensures you don’t underestimate but avoid appearing excessive.

Tip: If you are willing to cover part of the cost (e.g., meals, travel), note this. It signals partnership and shared investment.

6. Use the Customizable Justification Letter to Tell a Concise Story

The accompanying justification letter is designed to communicate your request professionally and efficiently. Tailor it using language familiar to your leaders. Keep it focused on organizational impact, not personal preference.

Tip: Attach your completed worksheet to the letter so your leader can see your rationale at a glance.

7. Submit Your Request Early and Follow Any Internal Procedures

Many organizations have deadlines, approval hierarchies, or budget cycles. Submitting early shows responsibility and increases your chances of being included in educational allocations.

Final Thoughts

The TNA Justification Worksheet is a practical tool to help you advocate for your professional development while demonstrating clear value to your organization. While approval can never be guaranteed, a well-prepared, thoughtful justification increases the likelihood of support and strengthens your professional credibility along the way.