How to Write a Strong Abstract
No stranger to the APNA Annual Conference Call for Abstracts process, Kelly Bryant has served as Chair and Associate Chair of the APNA Scholarly Review Committee, reviewer for APNA Annual Conference abstracts, and podium and poster presenter at multiple APNA Annual Conferences. With so much expertise, Bryant knows what it takes to write a strong abstract to be considered for presentation at the APNA 40th Annual Conference!
Where does a strong abstract start?
This year’s conference theme is Building on Strengths: A Resiliency Journey to Improve Wellness & Advance Care. So how can submitters align with this theme and start writing a strong abstract? Bryant says,
“Strong abstracts present clear, concise, and complete ideas that directly address the conference theme,” Bryant said. “They are innovative, demonstrate the practical impact of the work, and articulate the significance of novel approaches to care delivery and collaborations.”
The APNA Abstract Toolkit is a great place to start writing your abstract. Whether you have never submitted an abstract or need a refresher, the Abstract Toolkit has tools and resources that identify the key focus areas for writing and submitting your abstract for consideration.
I am not sure I should submit an abstract… Is my experience enough?
Bryant offers advice for nurses who might not yet see the value in their experiences: “Every experience is valuable. It is important for PMH nurses recognize that their story of growth, resilience, and innovation contributes to the strength of the field. I encourage you to share your contributions.”
See a list of session topics to see where your experience could contribute.
How can I use the conference theme to my advantage?
Bryant encourages those proposing abstracts to tap into this year’s theme and highlight their strengths, as well as the unique knowledge they possess, related to the spirit of resilience, wellness, and advancing care.
Your abstract could share examples of:
- How new strategies were implemented
- How collaboration fostered positive changes
- and/or how outcomes were improved through your discovery.
How can my abstract stand out?
An abstract stands out when it is written with a clear statement of intent. Your abstract should be well-organized and easy to follow, presenting the key message or central theme in a way that sparks curiosity. Reviewers should be able to recognize the importance of the work, its innovative qualities, and its clear connection to the field of knowledge.
Kelly Bryant’s top tips to write a strong abstract that stands out:
- Focus on the reader
What are you trying to convey? What questions might the reviewer have as they read your abstract? Can you answer them before they are asked? - Prioritize the payoff
Instead of just sharing your results, share why your results matter. What solutions does your abstract offer? What gap does it fill or problem does it solve? - Make every word count
You will have character limits throughout your abstract submission, so make every word count. Describe your abstract’s intention clearly and concisely, but don’t leave any of the good stuff out!
Bryant encourages authors to self-assess their abstracts before submission by checking for clarity, completeness, and alignment with the theme. Her guidance emphasizes anticipating and addressing reviewer questions and ensuring the abstract’s purpose is communicated concisely without leaving out any of the good stuff!
With these tips and her guidance in mind, you are ready to start writing a strong abstract!
Published January 2026
Start your abstract for the APNA 40th Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, today!
