Abstract
Frontline nurses often return from conferences with evidence-based ideas, yet translating these into sustained practice change is limited by factors including resource and process barriers.1,2 Evidence shows that strategies such as implementation science and structured innovation support improve adoption.2,3,4,5 In 2024, our hospital noted this gap after funding over 50 nurses to attend conferences where insights were shared but rarely transformed care delivery. To increase impact, we launched a proposal-based model that turns external learning into actionable improvements. Previously, conference attendees shared insights via presentations, a passive approach with few pathways for change.
Our purpose was to introduce a structured post-conference proposal process to enhance professional development, maximize return on investment, and embed evidence-informed practice through an accountable, outcomes-focused framework. Before conference attendance, nurses receive orientation on post-conference expectations, a proposal tool, and a template to identify high-impact ideas. Afterward, each pairs with a senior nurse leader for mentorship, refining ideas into strategically relevant proposals. Conference attendees serve as content experts; mentors guide feasibility and framing. Proposals are presented individually or in groups at operational and strategic nursing councils. A leadership group conducts quarterly reviews in which approved proposals receive an executive sponsor to support engagement, resources, and project initiation. Nurses remain key contributors throughout implementation.
Since March 2025, 38 nurses from 21 units attended 15 national conferences. Of these, 35 entered the proposal process, generating 14 unique proposals. At the first quarterly review in November, four of seven delivered proposals advanced; three aligned with existing initiatives and presenters joined those efforts. While outcomes are accruing, early feedback shows strong enthusiasm for this impact-driven model promoting accountability, innovation, and strategic alignment.
This structured approach offers a scalable model for converting individual development into organization-wide improvement. By fostering nurse-led innovation, aligning with priorities, and building infrastructure for evidence-based practice, the process elevates conference participation. Over time, it is expected to accelerate practice improvements and reinforce nursing’s role as a driver of organizational excellence.
Notes
References:
1. Alsadaan, N. & Ramadan, O. (2025). Barriers and facilitators in implementing evidence-based practice: A parallel cross-sectional mixed methods study among nursing administrators. BMC Nursing, 10(24), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03059-z
2. Walzer, S., Armbruster, C., Mahler, S., Farin-Glattacker, E. & Kunze, C. (2025). Facters influencing the implementation and adoption of digital nursing technologies: A systematic umbrella review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 27(e64616). https://doi.org/10.2196/64616
3. Albert, N. (2023). Creating a culture of nursing innovation: Transforming care delivery, improving outcomes. https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/creating-a-culture-of-nursing-innovation
4. Barr, T., Malloch, K., Ackerman, M., Raderstorf, T. & Mazurek Melnyk, B. (2021). A blueprint for nursing innovation centers. Nursing Outlook, 69(6), 969-891.
5. Younas, A. (2023). Uptake of innovations in nursing: The necessity for implementation science. Creative Nursing, 29(2), 177-181. https://doi.org/10.1177/10784535231195426
Sigma Membership
Delta Upsilon at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Implementation Science, Mentoring and Coaching, Interprofessional Initiatives, Career Development, Conferences & Conventions, Organizational Change
Recommended Citation
Perry, Ashley, "Leveraging Conference Learning Through a Proposal-Driven Approach to Nursing Innovation" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 326.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/326
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-09-29
Leveraging Conference Learning Through a Proposal-Driven Approach to Nursing Innovation
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Frontline nurses often return from conferences with evidence-based ideas, yet translating these into sustained practice change is limited by factors including resource and process barriers.1,2 Evidence shows that strategies such as implementation science and structured innovation support improve adoption.2,3,4,5 In 2024, our hospital noted this gap after funding over 50 nurses to attend conferences where insights were shared but rarely transformed care delivery. To increase impact, we launched a proposal-based model that turns external learning into actionable improvements. Previously, conference attendees shared insights via presentations, a passive approach with few pathways for change.
Our purpose was to introduce a structured post-conference proposal process to enhance professional development, maximize return on investment, and embed evidence-informed practice through an accountable, outcomes-focused framework. Before conference attendance, nurses receive orientation on post-conference expectations, a proposal tool, and a template to identify high-impact ideas. Afterward, each pairs with a senior nurse leader for mentorship, refining ideas into strategically relevant proposals. Conference attendees serve as content experts; mentors guide feasibility and framing. Proposals are presented individually or in groups at operational and strategic nursing councils. A leadership group conducts quarterly reviews in which approved proposals receive an executive sponsor to support engagement, resources, and project initiation. Nurses remain key contributors throughout implementation.
Since March 2025, 38 nurses from 21 units attended 15 national conferences. Of these, 35 entered the proposal process, generating 14 unique proposals. At the first quarterly review in November, four of seven delivered proposals advanced; three aligned with existing initiatives and presenters joined those efforts. While outcomes are accruing, early feedback shows strong enthusiasm for this impact-driven model promoting accountability, innovation, and strategic alignment.
This structured approach offers a scalable model for converting individual development into organization-wide improvement. By fostering nurse-led innovation, aligning with priorities, and building infrastructure for evidence-based practice, the process elevates conference participation. Over time, it is expected to accelerate practice improvements and reinforce nursing’s role as a driver of organizational excellence.
Description
Nurses return from conferences with great ideas, but implementation often stalls. Our hospital launched a structured post-conference proposal process that transforms learning into action. Nurses receive tools, mentorship, and present proposals for review and sponsorship. Since March 2025, 38 nurses generated 14 proposals, driving innovation and aligning with strategic priorities. This model elevates professional development and accelerates evidence-based practice.