CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

The Call for Abstracts for the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) 37th Annual Conference, taking place in San Diego, California, from April 22-24, 2027, is open until Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

 
SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT

 

Timeline

      • SPN 37th Annual Conference Call for Abstracts Opens: Monday, July 20, 2026
      • SPN 37th Annual Conference Call for Abstracts Closes: 11:59 p.m. CT on Friday, October 16, 2026
        • There are no late-breaking round of abstracts this year. All abstracts, both podium and poster, are due no later than Friday, October 16, 2026
      • Applicants will be notified of their abstract status in early December, 2026

SPN Spark

Bold ideas. Pediatric nursing voices. Meaningful change.

SPN Spark is a platform for pediatric nurses to share bold, focused ideas through short, powerful talks that inspire innovation, strengthen practice, and improve care for children and families.

We are looking for speakers who can captivate, challenge, and inspire. Bold pediatric nursing voices with fresh ideas that spark curiosity and leave a lasting impression. From emerging nurse leaders to innovative nurse scientists and visionary thinkers, each 15-minute SPN Spark Talk should deliver one clear idea with purpose, energy, and impact. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

      • Healthcare Design: How nurses can shape smarter, safer, and more human-centered health technology.
      • Reimagining the Workforce: Bold approaches to strengthening pediatric nursing, reducing moral injury, and building sustainable teams.
      • The Power of Connection: The clinical impact of compassion, trust, presence, and human touch in pediatric care

An effective SPN Spark Talk begins with a focused idea that matters to pediatric nurses and resonates with the audience. Rather than simply presenting facts, the strongest talks invite listeners to consider a new perspective, apply a practical insight, or rethink what is possible in pediatric care.

What Makes an Effective SPN Spark Topic?

A powerful SPN Spark Talk topic should do more than inform; it should ignite curiosity, create a connection, and leave the audience with an idea they can carry back into their practice.

      • A bold, focused idea that is easy to understand and remember
      • A meaningful connection to children, families, nurses, or the future of pediatric care
      • A practical or inspiring takeaway that encourages reflection, conversation, or action

The goal is not simply to give a talk, but to spark a shift in how pediatric nurses think, lead, connect, and shape the care children and families receive.

Launch Pad: Fast Track to the Main Stage

In line with the SPN Strategic Goal 2, The Launch Pad: Fast Track to the Main Stage program is designed to help nurses develop their leadership, speaking and presentation skills. The program will replace the Poster Power Hour in the conference schedule of events. Three poster presentations will be selected from submitted poster abstracts (unless submitters select to opt-out on the submission form) for 15-minute podium presentations on the main stage. After the presentations, conference attendees will vote to select one winner. The winning presentation will be selected for a 30-minute podium presentation at the 2028 annual conference in Anaheim, CA. 

        • Please note: All poster abstract submissions will be evaluated for presentation as part of the Launch Pad Program unless submitters elect to use the opt-out feature provided on the abstract submission form.

Submission Tracks

Pre-licensure nursing students

Pre-licensure nursing students will be judged under a separate student track. At least one of the offered tracks will still need to be applicable to the submission. Licensed nurses can be included with pre-licensure nursing students in the submission.

Clinical Practice

This track describes new approaches to care, unusual cases, patient and/or family education, or literature reviews of best practices with a summary of the evidence.

Education

This track describes innovative strategies used in educating nurses in either academia or the practice setting.

Evidence-based Practice (EBP)

This track describes the process and outcomes resulting from the critical appraisal and use or translation of the best and most relevant research evidence related to a clinical question that directly influences pediatric nursing practice.

Quality Improvement (QI)

This track describes the process improvements and clinical quality outcomes resulting from the use of improvement science methodology that directly influences pediatric nursing practice.

Research

This track describes innovative projects or initiatives related to management of nursing staff or transformational leadership at all levels of nursing.

Leadership and Management

This track describes innovative projects/initiatives related to management of nursing staff or transformational leadership at all levels of nursing.

Information Technology

This track describes the application of systems for storing, retrieving, and sending information as applied to pediatric nursing.

Advocacy

This track describes new approaches to promote and improve health and healthcare for all children and their families through advocacy.

*NEW* SPN SPARK

This track describes bold, focused, brief and powerful talks that inspire innovation, strengthen practice, and improve care for children and families. These presentations are a maximum of 15-minutes regardless of topic.

Submission Resources

Tips for Writing a Successful Abstract:

Despite appearing intuitive, these guidelines address common issues observed.

      1. Familiarize yourself with the specific criteria outlined in the provided rubric.
      2. Follow all the provided instructions.
      3. Avoid identifying specific organizations; instead, use terms like “organization” or “medical center” whatever term describes your setting. 
      4. Ensure that all scored areas are addressed in your abstract. If a specific area is unavailable, address it.
      5. Allow adequate time to carefully proofread your abstract and consider having it reviewed.
      6. Spell out abbreviations, acronyms or initials with first use.
      7. While a study may be in progress at the time of abstract submission, it must be complete prior to podium presentation at the SPN conference. For posters, data analysis must be complete by February 1, 2027, in order for findings to be placed on poster prior to the submission deadline.

Review the webinar Stellar Submission: How to Write a Great SPN Conference Abstract in the SPN Learning Center. The webinar provides the opportunity to learn key components of a successful abstract, how to avoid common mistakes and leave the abstract reviewers wanting to learn more.

[pdf]  Abstract Criteria
[EXCEL] Abstract Reviewer Grading Rubric
Example Abstract
[Recorded Webinar] How to Submit a Successful Abstract