Rho Gamma Chapter Newsletter Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Board of Directors

Transcription

1 W I N T E R Rho Gamma Chapter Newsletter Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Board of Directors President: Tammy Bocek ( ) President-Elect: Vicki Teribury ( ) Vice-President: William Godfrey ( ) Treasurer: Bernadette DeVaul ( ) Secretary: Jennifer Mullen ( ) Counselor: Missy Volino ( ) Directors: Jennifer Carapella ( ) Linda Yonkin ( ) Vicki Kotchka ( ) Elaine Caso ( ) Leadership Succession: Tess Nidetch ( ) Suzanne Urban ( ) Newsletter Editors: Suzanne Urban, Marybeth Gillis President s Message Dear Colleagues, It is hard to believe that the holidays have come and gone. There was so much to celebrate and reminisce about went by so fast. As we reflect on this past year as a chapter, we have so much to be proud of and thankful for. I am excited to see what the New Year will bring, with both celebrations and challenges that will shape us as a chapter and individually for growth. I encourage you to take some time this season to reflect on all the accomplishments you have made over the last year, and what belonging to Rho Gamma can do for you. Would you like more opportunities to develop professionally this year, build your resume or maybe collaborate with colleagues? STTI is an excellent way to enhance your professional development and explore new opportunities for scholarship and growth. Have you taken opportunities to get involved in our chapter? If not, as you set your goals for 2017, seek to become more involved. If you d like to be more involved this year, here are some ideas-complete a VIP profile online; plan to attend one of the monthly board meetings; make the time to explore The Circle; like us on Facebook; or nominate a member colleague for a chapter recognition award. May all of you have a rewarding year, personally and professionally. Warmest Regards, Tammy Bocek, MSN, RN, NE-BC

2 RHO GAMMA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER WINTER Rho Gamma Chapter held its 17th Chapter Induction Ceremony on October 7, Twenty-nine new members were welcomed into the Chapter. This number included twenty-students from Elmira College and seven from Mansfield University. The ceremony was held in the beautifully renovated space of Peterson Chapel in Cowles Hall. Family, friends, past and present faculty, and Rho Gamma members were in attendance. Thank you to Tammy Bocek, Rho Gamma President, and to her fellow officers, for creating a beautiful venue and meaningful ceremony rich in the traditions of Sigma Theta Tau International. Tammy offered the opening greeting and concluding remarks, while Dr. Kathleen Lucke, Professor and Dean of Health Sciences, gave the welcome from the College. From Rho Gamma s Board of Directors, Elaine Caso explained the meaning of the insignia and coat of arms, while Jennifer Carapella helped the new members add their names to the official induction roster. Dr. Jamie Klesh, Nursing Program Director at Mansfield University, assisted Dr. Lucke in welcoming each new member. The chapter extended an invitation to past president, and founding Rho Gamma member, Janice Brewer, to address the gathering. She spoke on the history of Rho Gamma. Rho Gamma chapter was essentially born into the new millennium, receiving its charter in the year Like most worthwhile endeavors, this success did not happen overnight. It was built by the hard work of a handful of local professional nurses who espoused the values of Sigma Theta Tau and who wanted to bring the opportunities of membership to the area. As Jan said, There was so much to gain by having an STTI chapter locally. The quest began in 1995 with the goal of inspiring and bringing together the forces of professional nursing for personal and professional growth. Jan reminded the new inductees that, although they will always be members of STTI, being an active member will make the honor society s values part of their lives, and not just part of their resume. Cont. p. 3

3 RHO GAMMA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER WINTER 2017 Dr. Lucke and Elaine Caso at the podium Dr. Jamie Klesh, Jen Carapella and Tammy Bocke assist at the ceremony Past President, Jan Brewer, addresses the audience 3

4 RHO GAMMA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER WINTER Octagon Fair was held on Saturday, October 8, 2016, on the Elmira College Campus. Rho Gamma chapter, through efforts of its members, earned $ through ice cream and jewelry sales. A warm thank-you goes out to Elaine Caso for her contributions to the ice cream sale and to our partner, Marina Carapella-Liriano of Small Indulgences Jewelry, for their donations. Rho Gamma s Fall Meeting was held on October 24, 2016, at the Corning Hospital. Dennis Caso, the Rho Gamma Friend of Nursing Award Winner, 2015, was the speaker. Here s a photo of Dennis receiving The Friend of Nursing Award in The first-ever Surgeon General s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health was released on November 18, This report reviews what we know about substance misuse and how we can use that knowledge to address substance misuse and related consequences. The report, in its entirety, can be found at the website below. It is important reading for all. The time is always right to do what is right. Martin Luther King, Jr. Please consider nominating a colleague who is an active member of STTI for a Chapter Award. These awards acknowledge excellence in research, education, nursing practice, leadership and mentorship. Recipients will receive their awards at the Annual Meeting to be held Monday, May 5, More information will be forthcoming. Also, please let us know of any awards, recognitions, career transitions, presentations etc. so that your successes can be shared with the membership through the newsletter. For the 15th consecutive year nursing again has received the amazing honor of being ranked the most trusted profession in the country by the American public, said Eileen Williamson, MSN, RN, senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Nurse.com. Few designations could be more of a professional badge of honor than being named first among the 22 professions surveyed in the Gallup poll for honesty and ethical standards. As a nurse, I could not be more proud of what the public thinks of my colleagues and the nursing profession.

5 RHO GAMMA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER WINTER If you have a community project, presentation, or research project for which you need financial backing, you are encouraged to apply for the Rho Gamma Chapter STTI Research Scholarships. The purpose of the scholarships is to provide financial assistance to members of Rho Gamma who are engaged in scholarly research either as a part of a graduate nursing program, community project or presentation (poster or podium) at a regional or international conference or program. Applications are accepted throughout the year. The scholarships will be awarded at the annual business meeting in April. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Any applications received after March 1, 2017, will be considered for the following year. Two awards of $200 each will be distributed. Applications will be sent to the membership in early 2017 or can be obtained by writing to rhogamma@elmira.edu. Completed applications are to be sent to the following address: Rho Gamma Chapter, Elmira College Nurse Education Program ATTN: Research Committee, One Park Place, Elmira, NY Due Date March 1, 2017 By using the Rho Gamma Chapter s Get-A-Member Campaign, we hope our members will honor nurse colleagues who share the commitment to research, education, nursing practice and leadership by nominating them for membership. Our next chapter induction is slated for April 7, 2017 (see below). There are three classifications of membership: undergraduate student, graduate student, and nurse leader. Nurse Leader membership is open to Registered Nurses, legally recognized to practice, who hold at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing or in another field and have demonstrated achievement in nursing. If you would like to nominate a nurse, please contact Tammy Bocek at rhogamma@elmira.edu. Rho Gamma s last fall induction was held on October 7. Starting in 2017, Rho Gamma will hold its annual chapter induction in the Spring. The Board of Directors voted to open up membership to junior nursing students so that they might participate fully in chapter activities prior to graduation,. We also hope to induct community leaders at that time. Please encourage your colleagues to seek membership. A mechanism also exists for nurse leaders to sponsor their own membership in Sigma Theta Tau International. By going to the STTI website and clicking on the membership tab, a potential member can access information on joining the organization, as well as indicating a chapter preference (Rho Gamma s Chapter number is 409). STTI then submits the self-nominee s application to the chapter, which has the authority to approve the candidate s membership. For further information on the process you can consult the SSTI website Share this avenue with a friend!

6 RHO GAMMA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER WINTER Rejoining STTI/ Transferring Membership If you know of any inactive members who are considering becoming active again, please ask them to call STTI headquarters and member services are there to assist them. This is true for those who would like to transfer their membership to Rho Gamma. Become a VIP through the Circle Sign in at to complete your Volunteer Interest Profile (VIProfile). Your VIProfile connects you with potential volunteer opportunities at various levels. Here is the link: Rho Gamma receives points for each member who becomes a VIP become one today. The Board of Directors extends an open invitation to all members to attend Board meetings. Usually the Board meets on the second Monday of each month at Elmira College in the 3rd floor Conference Room, Cowles Hall, 5:00 pm. In very rare instances, dates or times for meetings may be altered. Please check with Rho Gamma by phone at or rhogamma@elmira.edu for Board Meeting verification. Next board meeting: Monday, February 6, 5 PM, Cowles Hall (prior to Sharing Innovations) REMEMBER to come to all general meetings! General meeting attendees are eligible for a yearly drawing which entitles the winner to attend a general meeting free of charge. Rho Gamma members may earn extra chances to win by bringing a non-member colleague to a meeting. If you need a ride to a meeting, or would like to carpool, please contact us through our address rhogamma@elmira.edu You can access information (newsletters, scholarship applications) by going on-line to the Elmira College website (in this order, click: academics, majors (nursing), honor society). Also, please let us know if your changes!!!

7 RHO GAMMA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER WINTER Rho Gamma continues to spread the word regarding the Family Reading Partnership of the Chemung Valley s promotion of literacy in our community. The book collection campaigns are maintained throughout our area. Gently used children s books may be placed in the red boxes at the following locations: Nurse Education Program at Elmira College, Cowles Hall Arnot Ogden Nursing Program, Clute Building, Arnot Ogden Medical Center Nursing Program at Corning Community College Elmira College Library Guthrie-Mansfield Education Center, Patterson Building, Sayre, PA All donated books are given to the Family Reading Partnership for distribution in our community. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises pediatricians to encourage parents to read to their children starting in infancy. According to the AAP s research, early exposure to language has a profound influence on children s learning through life. We must get books into the hands of ALL families! Catholic Charities is in need of toiletry items for local families. If you have any hotel-size toiletry items that you wish to donate, please bring them to the next Rho Gamma meeting or drop them off at the Nurse Education Program Office, Cowles Hall, Elmira College. Items needed include: soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, shaving cream, mouthwash, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, and lotion. Rho Gamma is collecting empty pill bottles for use by our members who are participating in medical missions overseas. Please drop these off at the Nurse Education Office, Cowles Hall, or bring to any of our meetings.

8 RHO GAMMA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER WINTER Mission The mission of The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. Vision Sigma Theta Tau International s vision is to be the global organization of choice for nursing. Sharing Innovations, Monday, February 6, Cowles Hall, Elmira College, 6-8 PM (snow date 2/27) Anita B. Ogden Symposium, Friday, March 17, Meier Hall, Dr. Merrily A. Kuhn, Understanding the Gut Brain Connection New Member Tea, Friday, March 24, Park Church, Elmira, 4-6 PM Spring Chapter Induction, Friday, April 7, Cowles Hall, Elmira College, 7 PM Annual Meeting, Monday, May 5 location TBD