Webinar: From Idea to Impact: Writing a Strong Letter of Intent and Navigating the Grants Process for Pediatric Oncology Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice

From Idea to Impact: Writing a Strong Letter of Intent and Navigating the Grants Process for Pediatric Oncology Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Livestream Webinar via Zoom

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM EST (9:00 AM PST,  10:00 AM MST, 11:00 AM CST)

Presented by:

Presented by:

• Casey Hooke, PhD, APRN, PCNS-BC, FAAN, FAPHON,
• Micah A. Skeens PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, FAAN

Webinar Overview:

Pediatric hematology and oncology nurses are uniquely positioned to identify practice gaps and generate innovative ideas that advance patient‑ and family‑centered care. Yet, transforming those ideas into funded research or quality improvement projects can feel daunting. This webinar equips nurses with the knowledge and confidence to develop and submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) and a full grant proposal for APHON funding opportunities, as well as other nursing research programs.

Participants learn to articulate a clear project idea, define its significance and feasibility, and align aims with APHON’s funding priorities. The session emphasizes integrating evidence‑based practice (EBP) principles throughout the LOI and grant process, ensuring proposals are grounded in current literature and best practices. Real‑world examples from nursing‑led research and EBP projects demonstrate how funded initiatives influence practice and improve outcomes for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders.

Key Topics Covered:

• Framing a compelling project idea: Problem statement, population, outcomes, and feasibility
• Aligning with APHON priorities: Fit, relevance to pediatric hematology and oncology nursing, and impact on patient‑ and family‑centered care
• Integrating EBP throughout: Using current literature, translating evidence into aims, methods, and evaluation plans
• Building a high‑quality LOI: Purpose, essential components, clarity, and tone
• Strengthening the full proposal: Specific aims, significance, approach, feasibility, and implementation plan
• Common pitfalls and solutions: Scope creep, unclear outcomes, insufficient evidence, and misalignment with funding criteria
• Submission strategies: Planning timelines, preparing required materials, and responding to reviewer feedback
• Practice‑based exemplars: Nursing‑led research and EBP projects that improved safety, experience, and clinical outcomes

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the essential components and purpose of a Letter of Intent (LOI).
• Explain how to align a research and evidence-based practice proposal with APHON’s funding priorities.
• Apply strategies to strengthen clarity, significance, and feasibility in LOIs and grant applications.
• Identify common challenges and reviewer feedback trends in the grant submission process.

This livestream webinar is designed for participants to leave with a concise LOI and proposal outline, a list of relevant evidence sources, and practical steps to craft a competitive application that aligns with APHON priorities, advances practice, and benefits patients and families.

APHON will provide 1 nursing continuing professional development contact hour for successful completion of the webinar. Successful completion includes registration for the webinar session, attestation and attendance of the entire session, and completion of the post-webinar evaluation.

The Webinar and post-webinar evaluation is available for 30 days.

Association for Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 14513.

None of the planners for this activity have relevant financials relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies.