A nursing paper abstract is a concise summary of a longer nursing research paper, typically ranging from 150 to 300 words. It serves as a snapshot of your research, allowing readers to quickly grasp the essence of your study. Whether you’re writing an Evidenced based Practice Nursing Paper Abstract, abstract for a nursing research paper, a nursing philosophy paper, or any other type of nursing paper, the basic principles remain similar.
Types of Nursing Paper Abstracts
- Nursing Research Paper Abstract: Summarizes the key components of a nursing research study.
- Nursing Philosophy Paper Abstract: Outlines the main arguments and conclusions of a nursing philosophy paper.
- Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Paper Abstract: Focuses on the implementation and outcomes of evidence-based interventions in nursing practice.
Structure of a Nursing Paper Abstract
Regardless of the type of nursing paper, a well-structured abstract typically includes:
- Background/Problem
- Purpose/Objective
- Methods
- Results (if applicable)
- Conclusions/Implications
How to Write an Abstract for a Nursing Paper
Writing an effective abstract for a nursing paper requires careful planning and execution. Follow these detailed steps to create a compelling abstract that accurately represents your work:
1. Complete Your Paper First
Before attempting to write your abstract, ensure your full paper is complete. This allows you to have a comprehensive understanding of your work and identify the most crucial elements to include in your abstract.
2. Understand the Purpose and Type of Your Paper
Different types of nursing papers require slightly different approaches to abstract writing:
- Research Paper: Focus on the problem, methodology, results, and conclusions.
- Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Paper: Emphasize the clinical problem, evidence used, implementation strategy, and outcomes.
- Literature Review: Highlight the main themes, key findings, and implications for practice.
- Case Study: Briefly describe the patient, interventions, outcomes, and lessons learned.
- Nursing Philosophy Paper: Outline the main argument, theoretical framework, and implications for nursing practice.
3. Identify Key Components
Review your paper and highlight the most important elements from each section. For a typical nursing research paper, this includes:
- Background/Problem statement
- Research question or hypothesis
- Methodology
- Key findings
- Main conclusions and implications
4. Draft Your Abstract
Write a concise summary of each main point identified in step 3. Use the following structure as a guide:
a) Background/Problem (1-2 sentences): Example: “Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a significant challenge in healthcare settings, contributing to increased morbidity and healthcare costs.”
b) Purpose/Objective (1 sentence): Example: “This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive hand hygiene program in reducing HAI rates in a large urban hospital.”
c) Methods (2-3 sentences): Example: “A quasi-experimental study was conducted over 12 months in a 200-bed hospital. The intervention included staff education, increased availability of hand sanitizers, and regular compliance monitoring. HAI rates were compared pre- and post-intervention using hospital surveillance data.”
d) Results (2-3 sentences): Example: “Post-intervention, hand hygiene compliance increased from 40% to 85% (p<0.001). The overall HAI rate decreased by 35% (95% CI: 28-42%, p<0.001), with significant reductions in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (45% decrease) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (50% decrease).”
e) Conclusion (1-2 sentences): Example: “Implementation of a comprehensive hand hygiene program significantly reduced HAI rates. This evidence-based intervention demonstrates potential for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs across various healthcare settings.”
5. Refine and Edit
After drafting, refine your abstract:
- Ensure it’s within the required word limit (typically 150-300 words)
- Remove unnecessary details or repetitive information
- Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon
- Check that each sentence contributes essential information
- Ensure the abstract can stand alone without reference to the full paper
6. Include Keywords
Incorporate relevant keywords throughout your abstract to improve discoverability. For the hand hygiene example, keywords might include:
- Hospital-acquired infections
- Hand hygiene
- Infection control
- Evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement
Sample Nursing Paper Abstract
Here’s a general example of a nursing research paper abstract:
Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a significant challenge in healthcare settings.
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive hand hygiene program in reducing HAI rates.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a 200-bed hospital over 12 months. The intervention included staff education, increased availability of hand sanitizers, and regular compliance monitoring.
Results: Post-intervention, hand hygiene compliance increased from 40% to 85% (p<0.001). Overall HAI rates decreased by 35% (95% CI: 28-42%, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Implementation of a comprehensive hand hygiene program significantly reduced HAI rates, demonstrating the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Evidenced Based Practice Nursing Paper Abstract
Structure of an EBP Nursing Paper Abstract
- Background/Problem:
- Identify the clinical issue or question
- Briefly describe the current evidence
- State the gap between evidence and practice
2. Purpose/Objective:
- Clearly state the aim of your study
- Specify the evidence-based intervention being implemented
3. Methods:
- Describe your implementation strategy
- Outline your study design
- Mention the setting and sample
- Identify key outcome measures
4. Results:
- Report main findings
- Include statistical significance where appropriate
- Focus on outcomes related to the evidence-based intervention
5. Conclusions/Implications:
- Summarize the main implications of your findings
- Discuss how the results contribute to nursing practice
- Suggest potential applications in other settings
Example of an EBP Nursing Paper Abstract
Background: Despite strong evidence supporting early mobilization in reducing complications in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, implementation remains inconsistent in many settings.
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based early mobilization protocol in reducing complications and length of stay in ICU patients.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted over 6 months in a 30-bed ICU. The intervention included staff education on early mobilization benefits, implementation of a standardized mobility protocol, and daily adherence monitoring. Patient outcomes were compared pre- and post-intervention.
Results: Protocol adherence increased from 25% to 80% (p<0.001). Incidence of ICU-acquired weakness decreased by 40% (95% CI: 30-50%, p<0.001). Average ICU length of stay reduced by 2.5 days (p<0.01), and patient satisfaction scores improved by 25% (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Implementation of an evidence-based early mobilization protocol significantly reduced complications and length of stay in ICU patients. This EBP intervention demonstrates the potential to enhance quality of care, improve patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs in critical care settings.for this Evidenced based Practice Nursing Paper Abstract we used effectiveness of an evidence-based early mobilization protocol in reducing complications and length of stay in ICU patients as the topic
Tips for Writing a Competitive EBP Nursing Paper Abstract
- Clearly state the evidence gap: Highlight the discrepancy between best practices and current practice.
- Emphasize the implementation process: Describe how you translated evidence into practice.
- Quantify your results: Use specific numbers and statistical significance to show the impact of your intervention.
- Highlight implications: Discuss how your findings can improve nursing practice and patient outcomes.
- Use EBP-specific keywords: Include terms like “evidence-based practice,” “implementation science,” and “knowledge translation.”
Abstract for Nursing Philosophy Paper
While less common than research or EBP abstracts, nursing philosophy paper abstracts are important in academic settings. They typically focus on theoretical concepts, ethical considerations, or professional values in nursing.
Example of a Nursing Philosophy Paper Abstract
This paper explores the concept of patient-centered care through the lens of Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. It examines how Watson’s carative factors can be integrated into modern nursing practice to enhance patient outcomes and nurse job satisfaction. The discussion considers the challenges of implementing a caring-based philosophy in today’s technology-driven healthcare environment and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. The paper concludes by arguing that a return to caring-centered practices, guided by Watson’s theory, can significantly improve the quality of patient care and the overall healthcare experience for both patients and nurses.
Writing an effective nursing paper abstract, whether for a research study, an evidence-based practice project, or a philosophy paper, requires careful consideration of content, structure, and style. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this guide, you can create compelling abstracts that accurately represent your work and attract readers to your full paper.
Remember, the key to a successful abstract is clarity, conciseness, and a focus on the most important aspects of your paper. Whether you’re addressing a clinical problem, implementing an evidence-based intervention, or exploring philosophical concepts in nursing, your abstract should provide a clear, informative snapshot of your work.
