• Topic: The topic should be timely and relevant to more than one group of nurses
• Focus:  Focus on the latest research in the field rather than background information. 
• First Paragraph:  The first paragraph introduces the topic, states why it is important, and references key work in the field.  Length: 3-5 sentences in 1 paragraph
• Body of the Text:  The majority of the poster should further describe the key issues, current practice and latest research.  Break the text into 3-5 logical sections with short headings. Each section can be 1-3 short paragraphs.
• Summary/Conclusion:  At the end, make a general statement about what the research tells us, how it impacts clinical practice or what additional research is needed.
• References:  There should be 5-10 references with the majority from key or recent (1-2 years) original research.  As many as possible should be from the nursing literature.

• Initial Idea:  Submit your idea to someone on the subcommittee via email or in person.
• Feedback:  The subcommittee will discuss it at the next monthly meeting.  Someone will contact you with the OK to proceed.
• Before you Write:  Go to the website of previous posters to review poster style and content, do a literature search in CINAHL, and talk to your colleagues about your topic.
• Write the Draft:  The draft should include the text of the poster along with any illustrations and tables. The subcommittee will help with formatting if needed. 
• Submit:  Send your draft to your contact person on the subcommittee.
• Review:  At the next meeting your draft will be discussed.  Someone on the subcommittee will talk with you about any questions or suggestions that may arise.  There may be several rounds of discussions before the poster is finalized.
• Graphic Design:  The poster is sent to the graphic designer who does the final formatting of text, tables, and illustrations. 
• Final Review:  The formatted poster is reviewed again.  Any minor revisions are made and the poster goes to production.
• Posters in the Units:  A poster is sent to each unit and generally remains up for 2 months.  Individual handouts are also made available.
• Time Frame:  It may take from 3-6 months to complete this whole process. So start now.

• Title:  The title should be short, attract people’s attention and encourage them to read on.  Length:  1-6 words
• Name(s) of Author(s):  After each author’s name include professional degrees.
• Heading Titles:  Use short heading titles to make the poster easier to read.
• Sentences:  Don’t make your sentences too long.  Use the simplest language that can communicate each concept.  Remember people outside your specialty are reading this.
• Tables or Lists:  Use tables or bulleted lists throughout the poster to break up the text and make it quick to read.  The graphic designer will do the final formatting so don’t worry too much about how it initially looks.
• Illustrations:  Use one or two pictures or diagrams if possible.  If you need help finding an illustration, let the subcommittee know.
• References:   References should be in APA style.  In the text of the poster, use the first author’s last name in parentheses.  If multiple works by the same author add the date.
• Word count:  The displayed poster is on legal paper and the handouts are on 8 ½ x 11 so keep the total word count (excluding references) to 500-1000 words

 

The subcommittee will help you through the process but feel free to talk with any member of the subcommittee at any time.

Updated:  Feb 2007