Call for Papers and Posters
Mission Possible: Exploration in SCI Nursing
22nd Annual Conference
September 6–8, 2005
Riviera Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of the conference is to:

            • Promote the advancement of nursing care of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI)

            • Provide education related to SCI nursing practice

            • Report on research findings

            • Disseminate scientific information to achieve optimal health outcomes

            • Recognize nurses whose careers are devoted to enhancing the outcomes of individuals with SCI

            • Afford members an opportunity to participate in AASCIN activities

            • Provide an educational forum for nurses to network.

The objectives of the conference are to:

            • Describe the application of new clinical knowledge in the care of individuals with SCI

            • Discuss issues generated by a rapidly changing health care system

            • Review key leadership concepts applicable to practice situations

            • Discuss methods for integrating research findings with clinical practice

            • Identify educational strategies that are relevant to current practice

            • Provide an opportunity for professional networking.

Suggested Topics

Suggested topics for presentation include nursing research, technology affecting the care of individuals with SCI, competency-based practice, clinical advances in SCI care, aging with SCI, end-of-life care issues, expanded roles and interdisciplinary teams in health promotion and disease prevention, outcomes of care, standards of practice, socio-economic impact of disability and resource allocation, innovative nursing care systems used in SCI practice, pediatric SCI, leadership, creative resource management, stress in the workplace, critical/clinical pathways, product line management, and conflict management. You are encouraged to prepare a submission that demonstrates methods of promoting quality outcomes through innovative SCI nursing practice.

Deadline for Submission

The abstract and all required information must be submitted online by Friday, January 21, 2005 (please note this represents an extension from the January 14 deadline).

Conference Presentation Formats

Platform (Podium) Presentations (two presenters maximum): Presentations are identified as Clinical, Administrative, Research, or Education, and presented in 45-minute sessions. Each presentation allows 5 minutes for questions and discussion.

Poster Presentations  (one presenter maximum): A visual display of a selected topic available for study. The presenter of the poster must be available for discussion during the designated periods, as indicated in the program.

Review Process for Papers/Posters

The Program Committee reviews all submissions, and makes selections based on the following criteria:

            • Topic addresses current and pertinent SCI themes

            • Organization and clarity of abstract

            • Objectives reflect the content of the abstract.

Notification of acceptance or rejection will be mailed by the end of March 2005.

Conference Grant Guidelines

AASCIN appreciates your interest in presenting at its annual conference. AASCIN only covers expenses for conference faculty (presenters): two presenters maximum per paper; one presenter maximum per poster. Covered expenses include conference registration, transportation, and hotel fees. Covered expenses for faculty from outside the US and Canada include airfare from point of entry into the US and return to point of exit, and lodging only at the conference hotel. All grant recipients, including faculty, MUST stay at the Riviera Hotel and make travel arrangements through the Conference Travel Agency.

Poster Guidelines

            • A poster presentation is an exhibit that provides an opportunity for discussion. Photographs, charts, graphs, or illustrations should be used to enhance text.

            • Audio-visual equipment cannot be used.

            • Electrical outlets are not available.

            • The poster presentation board is 4 feet high by 8 feet wide.

            • Posters are assigned a number as indicated in the program. Handouts

are encouraged.

            • A heading for the top of the poster, with lettering a minimum of 11/2 inches high, should include:

            * Poster Title (same as

the abstract)

            * Author(s)

            * Institutional affiliation of the author(s)

            • The abstract, illustrations, and text must be readable from a distance of 4 feet.

            • Bring pushpins or thumbtacks for mounting the poster.

Audio-Taping

All presentations will be professionally audio-taped and available for purchase on site.

Directions for Submission of Papers/Posters

I. Presenter Information

            1. Provide required information for each presenter.

            2. A current curriculum vitae must be submitted (as a file attachment) for each presenter.

II. Abstract

            1. Abstract Title: Title should be brief and limited to 10 words.

            2. Presenters/Authors: Names and credentials should be entered as you wish them to appear in the program.

            3. Select presentation format.   

            4. Select only one level of the C.A.R.E. track classification using the following criteria:

            • C = Clinical

            • A = Administrative

            • R = Research

            • E = Education

            5. Objectives

            • List 1 to 3 objectives that relate to the overall purpose of your presentation, (i.e., describe, recite, list, identify, define).

            6. Abstract Text

            • Text must be in narrative form, not to exceed 200 words, and not to include tables, charts, or graphs.

            • Text should be a brief summary of the overall goals, concepts, and relevance of the presentation.

            • A research abstract should include a statement of the problem, brief description of the methodology, major findings, and implications for SCI nursing practice.

            • Briefly outline the specific ideas and concepts to be presented, consistent with the stated objectives.

            • An abstract that includes endorsement of a single brand name product or equipment will not be accepted for presentation.

All presenters are encouraged to submit a manuscript to SCI Nursing, the official journal

of AASCIN.

General Instructions

AASCIN has an online abstract submission system for consideration for presentation at the 2005 Annual Conference.

            1. To access the online system, log onto the Association Web site at: www.aascin.org. This will bring you to the AASCIN Homepage.

            2. Once on the Homepage, click on the Conference Abstract Submission link.

            3. Now click on the Register for Abstract Submission link. You will see a screen that asks you to select a USERNAME and PASSWORD.

            4. Once you select a USERNAME and PASSWORD, you may begin to enter

the required Presenter Information and Abstract. All required data fields must be completed before the system will allow you to submit an abstract for consideration.

            5. Your USERNAME and PASSWORD will allow you to log back onto the system at any time to add additional abstracts or edit material you have already submitted.

            6. You may make modifications in your material up to the submission deadline. No changes after the Friday, January 14, 2005 deadline will be allowed.

            7. After  you have submitted all necessary information, you will receive an electronic confirmation message.

Audio-Visual Equipment

All platform presentations must be in a computer-based format.  Only stand-alone presentation files such as PowerPoint®, KeyNote®, Xpresent®, and Corel Presentation®, may be used. No other audio-visual equipment (e.g., overhead projectors, slide projectors, laptop computers) will be available. Each of the conference presentation rooms will contain the following audio-visual equipment:

            • Wireless lavalier microphones (2)

            • Single front projection screens

            • Projection feeding computer and video (projector and connector cable only)

Presenters are required to provide their own computers. Computers will not be provided on site. Presenters will not be reimbursed for computer rentals.

For further information contact:

Sara Lerman, MPH

Program Manager

American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses

718.803.3782 Ext. 324

Forms may be accessed and completed at www.aascin.org

HARD COPIES OF MATERIALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

Click here to download Call for Papers & Posters (Requires Acrobal Reader)