ITNS E-Update / 2009 Symposium Call for Abstracts
January 8, 2009

2009 Symposium Call for Abstracts (CFA) is open 

It’s that time of the year again.  Abstract and poster presentations are key components of the educational subject matter covered at the Annual ITNS Symposium. The Call for Abstracts for the September 24-26 2009 ITNS Symposium in Montreal will again be an on-line process through Oxford Abstract Systems. You can reach the on-line submission site through the ITNS homepage at www.itns.org. 

Important dates:

Abstract Submission Deadline     February 23, 2009 (5:00PM EST – New York)

Abstract Reviews/Scoring              March 2 – March 12, 2009 (10 days)

Final Program Determination        March 15 – 25, 2009

Author Notifications                         April 1 – 20, 2009

These dates are firm and no extensions will be given on the abstract submission deadline. Please plan accordingly and start the submission process well before the deadline in case unforeseen emergencies or hectic work schedules occur immediately prior to the deadline date of February 23, 2009. 

Abstracts will be accepted in 11 different categories: 

1.    Educational Strategies

2.    Ethics

3.    Health Behavior Changes

4.    Donor Issues (living/deceased)

5.    The Changing Healthcare/Nursing Environment

6.    Outcomes

7.    Pediatrics

8.    Professional Practice

 9.    Psychosocial Issues

10.  Rejection

11.  Symptom Management

These 11 categories will be used to determine the “Best of Abstracts” awards that are typically given each year to those who submit winning abstracts.  Historically, these prizes have been sponsored by Roche and each of the  winners received a $500 award.

Special encouragement is given this year to Staff RN members, particularly those who have recently joined our Staff RN Special Interest Group (SIG).  At the present time, the SIG is contemplating having a Staff RN breakout where abstracts of particular interest for Staff RNs will be presented.  It will be a unique opportunity to write up and present that ‘first’ case study, or gain experience putting together an abstract and preparing that ‘first’ presentation.  Of course, experienced Staff RNs are encouraged to submit too.  This is one specialty group we would like to focus on for 2009 so please encourage your staff, colleagues and friends to submit an abstract if they are a staff RN.

As all of those who have attended the ITNS abstract breakout and poster sessions acknowledge, these talks and posters are considered ‘must see/hear’ events.  With the ability to reward our presenters for their hard work and contribution to the field of transplantation, we would love to see a record number of abstracts submitted this year!

“Joi de Vivre - The Joy of Transplant Nursing” is Set for September 

Plan to join your ITNS colleagues this coming September in Montréal for what is sure to be an exciting Annual Symposium with international flair. “Joi de Vivre- The Joy of Transplant Nursing” takes place September 24-26 at the Hilton Montréal Bonaventure. As always, our workshops and abstract presentations will highlight timely issues relevant to transplant professionals from staff nurses to researchers and managers. Our 2009 Symposium Co-chairs Kathy Schwab RN, BSN, CCTC and Sandy Cupples RN, PhD extend a warm invitation to each of you to join them in Montréal. Check the ITNS web site for more information.

Register Now for the Next CTCRC 

If you are thinking of taking the transplant certification exam, don’t do it without first taking our course! The next Clinical Certification Review Course takes place on April 25-27, 2009 at the Portland Embassy Suites Downtown in Portland, Oregon, USA. Room rates for course participants have been set at a very affordable $159 single/double. Check our web site for more information and registration.

Start Thinking About 2009 Transplant Nurses Day  

After three successful Transplant Nurses Days we are on a roll! Mark your calendars for April 15, 2009 and start planning your celebrations and recognitions. This year’s Transplant Nurses Day kit to help mark the special occasion includes plates, napkins,  nail/pedicure kits, posters, stickers, buttons and a few extra items. Look for more information on the ITNS web site.

 Argentine Nephrology Congress set for September2009

The XVI Argentine Nephrology Congress and the IX Nephrology Nursing Congress will take place at Mar el Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, between September 16 and September 19, 2009. For more information, please visit the  web page: www.san.or.ar/congreso09.