Writing a Winning NTI Educational Session Abstract
Want to present an educational session at NTI, but feel intimidated by the prospect of having to write an
abstract that will be good enough to get selected? Ready to tackle the process, but not sure where to
begin? Here are some helpful guidelines to get you started on the right track and take you successfully
through to completion and submission.
Topic: Educational session abstracts should be based on a curriculum that includes clinical practice, role
development, or professional issues. They can cover a wide range of topics related to critical care
practice, professional development, technology and trends in healthcare. If pharmacological content is
being presented, indicate the percent (%) of the session that is specifically pharmacological.
Style: Educational session abstracts must be written in a brief, well-organized and focused manner.
They should allow the reader to immediately identify the contents of the educational session. In one
paragraph write an abstract narrative that:
 States purpose and/or goal of your presentation
 Identifies the key topics that will be addressed.
 Describes any special learning activities, such as case study analysis, audience
participation, or interactive discussion.
 Describes the audience for which this session is targeted.
 Indicates any prerequisite skills, experience, or knowledge that is needed.
In addition to the abstract narrative, American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) guidelines require the
use of the Abstract Design Format for all educational sessions. See below for instructions in the
compilation of the Abstract Narrative and the Abstract Design Format.
Educational Abstracts will be reviewed utilizing the following general criteria:
1. Relevance to AACN’s mission, vision, values
(go to www.aacn.org, click “About AACN”)
3. Links research and practice
2. Content supports AACN’s major agenda topics
including research, leadership, advanced
practice, ethics, public policy, etc.
5. Content is precise and comprehensive
4. Presents “cutting edge” information
6. All components are present, neat and in the
correct format
Components of an Educational Session Abstract
(Forms and samples are available at www.aacn.org, click on “Education”>”Speaker Materials”)
Abstract Narrative
Content must be a concise and comprehensive 250-word narrative with the following key components:
Abstract Title
 Use key words that describe the specific topic and content of the abstract. Catch phrases can
be used but need to include a reference to the topic. For example: “Playing your Aces
Right” may get attention but does not suggest what the abstract is about. By adding a
specific reference to the abstract subject matter the abstract title becomes clearer, i.e.,
“Playing your Aces Right: Ace Inhibitors in HTN”. (Use 60 characters or less.)
Purpose Statement

This statement should be the most important primary information you want to convey in the
abstract and should be the first one or two sentences. Do not repeat the title but indicate
the topic and where you are going with it.
The Scope

A description of the session subject with key components clearly stated, target audience,
prerequisite knowledge and outcomes for patients and/or nursing practice or enhancements
through application of the proposed session. If pharmacological content is being presented,
indicate the percent (%) of the session that is specifically pharmacological .
Abstract Design Format
The Abstract Design Format includes the session title, target audience, prerequisite knowledge for
session, purpose/goals of the session, and category. In the Abstract Design Format table provide:
1. At least 3 educational objectives i.e.,:

Compare or contrast subject matter characteristics

Specific attributes of the subject

Specific skills to be acquired
2. Content/topics to be covered:

Provide an outline of the content/topic presented and indicate to which
objective(s) the content is related
3. Time frame:

Provide a time frame for each content/topic area presentation
4. Presenter for each topic:

List the Presenter(s) for each content/topic, omit credentials
5. Teaching strategy:

List the teaching strategy for each presenter for each content/topic area.
This might include lecture, slides show, interactive Q&A or panel discussion
Strategies for Developing an Effective Abstract
During abstract development, several points are important to consider. These points include strategies for
writing the abstract, evaluating the technical details of the presentation, common-sense do’s and don’ts, and
proofing the abstract.
Writing the Abstract
When writing an abstract keep in mind the following:
1.
Review successful abstracts or program descriptions published in the organizational proceedings of
the previous year. An abstract that contains similar methods can be used as a template to guide the
writing of your abstract.
2.
Organize and outline the content before writing the first draft.
3.
Submit your abstract to successful colleagues, researchers, and content experts for feedback and
critique.
4.
Set aside your abstract to re-establish a degree of critical objectivity, then re-read it and make final
revisions.
5.
Establish and maintain a sense of neutral writing throughout the abstract. Neutral writing is used to
facilitate unambiguous communication, and demonstrate thoughtful construction and correct
grammar.
6.
Avoid jargon.
7.
Be clear in the use of numbers and abbreviations. If abbreviations are used, make sure that they are
defined, or can be understood by all consumers of the abstract. Keep in mind that an excessive use
of abbreviations can decrease the clarity of an abstract.
Technical Details of the Presentation
An important aspect of a successful abstract is its visual appearance or format. The abstract should be
professional and technically correct according to the specifications of AACN and NTI. If specifications are
not followed, the abstract may not be sent for review and disqualified.
Strategies for increasing the visual appeal, accuracy, and acceptability of an abstract include the following:
1.
Carefully read and follow all directions provided by AACN. Note specifics about which software
application to use, space and word limitations, font size, deadline dates, and the mode of
submission. (AACN only accepts abstracts via online web-based submission, on diskette or via email.)
2.
Check the order of the presentation of ideas in the abstract. The abstract should be logical and ideas
should flow in an organized manner.
3.
Proof read the abstract carefully before submitting it. Have a colleague review and critique it.
4.
Submit the abstract and accompanying forms as specified by AACN’s instructions. Keep at least one
copy for your hardcopy file, and an electronic version.
5.
Submit abstracts on the original form, without errors, and in 10 pt Arial or Times New Roman font. Do
not use symbols or signs in your abstract. Symbols and signs do not always convert correctly during
electronic transmission resulting in delay of processing.
"DOS" AND "DON'TS"
FOR WRITING A WINNING ABSTRACT
Some common-sense dos and don’ts that apply to the writing of abstracts are listed below. These rules are
general and apply in most cases.
Do
2) Do carefully follow the directions for abstract development and submission.
3) Do include the subject matter in the title.
4) Do include statistics and significance, as appropriate.
5) Do use good grammar.
6) Do review for logical fit among the purpose, findings, and conclusions.
7) Do re-read for typing errors and clarity.
8) Do have a colleague read the finished abstract for a honest critique.
Don't
1)
Don't use promotional terminology, flashy fonts or graphics.
2)
Don't overuse abbreviations.
3)
Don't use jargon such as "lytes", "vents", and "tubed".
4)
Don't use brand names.
The required length of abstracts makes writing them a challenge. Not surprisingly, the shorter the required
word count of an abstract, the harder it is to write. The ability to summarize a presentation in the form of a
short abstract, however, is a skill that can be developed. While following these guidelines will not guarantee
the acceptance of your abstract, you will improve the quality of your abstract and increase the likelihood of
success.