Chapter News
Chapter Recieves Two Awards for Regional Excellence
The Theta Lambda chapter was recently recognized by Region #5 of the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor society for two of its activities. The Childhood Obesity conference, held in November of 2007, and the chapter news letter and website were both recognized as regionally excellent activities. Awards will be given at a Luncheon at the September Leadership Academy. Congratulations to the many members who help with these two important activities!
Fall Meeting a Success
The fall meeting for the Theta Lambda Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, held on September 30th, was quite successful. There were many chapter members in attendance and many door prizes given away. A few things that were accomplished at the chapter meeting included: introduction and networking by members, review of the chapter finances, nominations for the clinical excellence award, and identification of a chapter scholarship recipient. If you could not attend do not worry, the spring educational offering and spring induction are right around the corner. We would love to see you then.
Chapter Mentors
The theta lambda chapter is concerned with involving and growing its newest members into part of the larger international organization of professional nurses. In keeping with the STTI mission of learning, knowledge, and professional development each new member inducted in the spring will be assigned a chapter mentor to keep in contact with. The mentor's duties are to encourage the new member in their professional nursing roles and to assist the new member in any chapter activities. If you are a new member and would like to contact your mentor, please contact the President at tschmitt2002@gmail.com. If you are a member who would like to serve as a mentor, you may also contact the President at the above address.
Spring Induction 2008 Adds Wonderful New Members to the Theta Lambda Chapter
The spring induction for the Theta Lambda Chapter of STTI was held on April 26th 2008 at the Kentwood Ballroom. This event added both graduating BSN, MSN students from Missouri State University and active nursing community members. Eight new inductees were present for the event and are pictured below. An educational presentation of the nursing clinic established at the Victory Mission by Missouri State University Faculty Caroline Helton and Susan Sims-Giddens. The presentation was a wonderful representation of how Missouri State University is meeting the STTI mission and vision while producing new professional nurses. As well, excellent poster presentations of literature research were provided by Missouri State BSN nursing students. A big thank you to the event coordinator Caroline Helton and her Induction committee! The entire event was energizing and beautiful. If you were unable to attend be sure to plan now to attend the 2009 Induction event.
Nomination for Clinical Excellence Award
It is time to nominate nurses in our community who exemplify clinical excellence. We all know a wonderful nurse… Now is the time to recognize them! The Theta Lambda Chapter would like to recognize clinical excellence in Southwest Missouri. We are looking for nominations of registered nurses for a first ever Clinical Excellence Award. We will be taking nominations at the Fall Meeting so be sure to attend then. To be awarded at the Southwest Missouri Nurses Dinner in May. See the attached document for award requirements. If you have any questions contact Terri Schmitt at: tschmitt2002@gmail.com. We Sincerely need your assistance in giving this award. Please forward all nominations to Terri Schmitt at tschmitt2002(at)gmail.com. The process should take you only about 10 minutes are so. Thanks for your assistance!!! See the link at:Clinical Excellence Criteria.
Nomination of Community Members
Do you know a nurse who would be an excellent addition to the Sigma Theta Tau International, Theta Lambda Chapter? We would love to have them as part of the group but you need to Hurry Quickly! Send your interested party’s information to Caroline Helton via e-mail at CarolineHelton(at)MissouriState.edu. The requirements for nomination of membership are as follows: The criteria for new Nurse Leader Candidates are: 1. Legally recognized to practice nursing in his / her country 2. Minimum of BSN or the equivalent in any field 3. Demonstrate achievement in nursing. Caroline will need their name, mailing address, e-mail, phone number and a little bit about the nurse’s credentials and nurse leadership so the board can make a decision regarding membership. Please encourage individuals to nominate community nurse leaders to join our chapter or transfer their membership to our chapter!
Gifts to the Chapter
We have recently had some questions about donations to the chapter and want to inform all of you how precious such gifts are to the chapter, no matter the size. Providing ongoing scholarships, educational offerings, and information to chapter members is costly. If you would like to assist the chapter financially in our effort to provide activities for Southwest Missouri nurses chapter donations can be made to the Theta Lambda Chapter through contact of any of the board members. All donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be provided.
Missouri State University On-Line Journal Seeks Nurses' Stories
All nurses have stories of their practice or particular patient experiences. These stories are such an important heritage to nursing that the MSU department of nursing felt that they should be recorded for others to read. The MSU department of nursing has developed an on-line journal featuring the stories of nurses. You can read other nurses' stories at http://www.missouristate.edu/nursing/38027.htm. If you would like to submit a personal story; see the webpage at the above address. Congratulations to STTI members Caroline Helton and Susan Sims-Giddens for their hard work on this important project.
Chapter at Large Discussion
At the October 16th chapter meeting Dr. Martha Baker presented a proposal for developing a 'chapter-at-large' status of the Theta Lambda chapter. The members present voted to move forward with this discussion and felt this was aligned with the Theta Lambda mission of expanding professional nursing in the Ozarks. The at-large status exploration would be with Southwest Baptist University, who has had a Nursing Honor Society chapter for several years. If you would like to comment on this project or would like more information, please contact Dr. Baker at 417-820-5049.
If you would like to send chapter information and updates please send them to: info@sigmathetatau-tl.com.