Chapter News

Members Share Projects

Psi Chapter-at-Large members share their experience and improvement projects at both national and international conferences this year. In May, Tess Santos and Nancy Lansberry of the University of Washington Medical Center gave a poster presentation on improving shift to shift report on a cardiac telemetry unit.

Mentored Leadership Development Program

The Mentored Leadership Development Program offers all nurses, whether they are STTI members or not, an invaluable resource for mentoring and individualized leadership development. Individuals may participate as a mentee or as a mentor.

Individuals (mentees) who wish to develop leadership skills are paired with nurses who are experienced professionals (mentors) and who can assist mentees during a one-year program to achieve their professional goals centered on leadership, scholarship, and evidence-based nursing. Projects can be in a variety of areas including practice, scholarship, and health policy. Mentors provide guidance and networking to the mentee.

For more information, email leadership@stti.iupui.edu or visit www.nursingsociety.org/LeadershipInstitute/chiron. 

Nearly 200 New Members Inducted

Sigma Theta Tau Psi Chapter-at-Large new member induction was held at the University of Washington Seattle campus on May 6, 2007. Inductees from the Schools of Nursing of all Psi Chapter campuses were present. The festivities started at 1:00 with a poster session and buffet lunch.

The induction ceremony started at 3:00 with welcome and introductory comments from chapter president, Emily Hitchens. Dr. Hitchens introduced the Keynote speaker, Shirley Aikin, Professor Emeritus of Pacific Lutheran University.

Professor Aikin spoke on “Hope for the Future,” referring to the new STTI inductees as the hope for the future of the profession of nursing. According to Professor Aikin, the new graduates and community members are “the leaders and will be the catalyst for change, forward thinking and progress in the profession. It is up to them to dream, and take action. Being a member of STT will identify them as the leaders and the persons who have the knowledge.”

Following the keynote address, Vicky Hertig was installed by Dr. Hitchens as the new president of Psi Chapter-at-Large, with a term of office to begin June 1st.

Prior to the introduction of the inductees, the deans of the member schools (or their representative) were introduced.

Nearly 200 new Sigma Theta Tau members were inducted, while friends, family members and colleagues looked on. Each new member was greeted into membership by Dr. Hitchens as she or he crossed the stage, then was congratulated by the assembled deans of the member schools of nursing, before signing the membership rolls of Psi Chapter-at-Large.

The new members were encouraged to find a place of active involvement within Sigma Theta Tau as they take their place as the future leaders of the profession of nursing.

Report from Nursing Research Consortium Conference

The Psi-At-Large chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International was a co-sponsor of the Annual Seattle Nursing Research Consortium conference. This highly successful two-day conference was attended by over 100 nurses from the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Liz Bridges, Vice President of the chapter had the honor of welcoming the attendees and introducing the keynote speaker, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk. Over half of the participants were Sigma Theta Tau members. These individuals were recognized by STTI ribbons. In addition, information was provided to all attendees regarding the new website courtesy of Janet DuBois.

This conference reflects a perfect match between STTI and the SNRC in their mutual goal of advancing nursing science. Participants shared research and evidence-based practice initiatives.

On the second day of the conference, expert nurse researchers presented on a variety of topics related to research, quality improvement and strategies to bring evidence to the bedside. Planning is already underway for the 2008 conference, which will be held on 28-29 January. 

Psi-at-Large Receives Recognition from Region 1

Our chapter was recently awarded the Regional Excellence Award from Sigma Theta Tau International for "Nurses Shine While Cruising to the Northern Lights." The award demonstrates best practices for the chapter's commitment and dedication to the honor society of nursing. The award will be presented at a special ceremony at the Showcase of Regional Excellence presentation at the Chapter Leadership Academy. (For more information, see the National STTI website.)

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Member Presents Research at 17th International Nursing Research Congress

This July, Psi Chapter–at–Large member Ruth L. Schaffler presented at the 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice Advancing Knowledge, Community and Evidence-Based Practice Globally through Collaboration (Montréal, Québec, Canada 19-22 July, 2006).

She reports that "there were more than 1300 people from around the world present at the congress. I met nurses from the Netherlands, Ireland, Brazil, Australia, Japan, and Canada as well as several from different parts of the U.S. It's amazing how much we have in common while yet being so different."

Read the abstract of her Congress presentation.

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News from the Schools

Pacific Lutheran University faculty

Emily Mize, clinical assistant professor, presented “Library resources in Nursing” and shared her assignment regarding levels of evidence to a small, but national audience of new university librarians in January. The presentation was well received and generated many questions.

Cheri McCann, clinical assistant professor, has been re-appointed to the Society of Pediatric Nurses’ Education Committee as well as being chosen as a reviewer of the Scope and Standards of Practice for Pediatric Nursing. She was recently selected as a subject matter expert for Elsevier’s publication, “Mosby’s Pediatric Skills.”

Patsy Maloney, associate professor and Director, CNE, presented “Developing a Course and Syllabus” and “Creating an Active Learning Environment” at AACN’s first annual Faculty Development Conference in Houston, Texas February 8-10th 2007. She is also serving as the Section Editor for the 3rd Edition Core Curriculum for Staff Development.

Recent PLU alumni accomplishments (all of the following are members of psi chapter)

Stacie Krabill (BSN: MSN 2005), "Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Don't Lose Sleep Over It." ADVANCE for NPs, May 2006.

Rebecca Scobee (BSN 2006) is a first year doctoral student at OHSU. She presented a poster at the 2006 Gerontological Society of America’s Conference in Dallas, Texas. Becca also received the very prestigious Hartford pre-doc fellowship award for 2 years.

Kristen Howard (MSN 2006), "Childhood Overweight: Parental Perceptions and Readiness for Change." J of School Nursing 2007.

Erin Nottinham (MSN 2006), "Complimentary and Alternative Medicine: Nurse Practitioner Roles and Education." Holistic Nursing Practice, Vol. 20.5 (Sept-Oct 2006): p. 242(5).

Kara Scanlan (MSN 2006), "More than a Workplace Danger: An Update on Latex Sensitivity," Advance for NPs (Vol 15:2, p. 69).

Sheri Keahey (MSN 2006), "Against the Odds: Orienting and
Retaining Rural Nurses" will be published in the Journal of Nursing Staff Development.

Suzette Reyes (MSN 2006) presented “Implementation and Evaluation of a Virtual IV System: Teaching Intravenous Skills” at the 20th Annual Pacific Research Conference Waikiki Beach Marriott March 22-24, 2007.

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