Amy C. Pugh, (BSN, 2008) and Kerry S. Merkel will marry July 2, 2010 at Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle, PA.

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1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Message from the President Theta Zeta Member News Distinguished Nurse Colleague Award Nursing Research Day Chairperson Message Theta Zeta Chapter New Inductees Check Out What STTI Has to Offer Awards Spring Induction Ceremony STTI Leadership Summit Annual Meeting Update Theta Zeta Chapter on Facebook Bloomsburg Walk for Cystic Fibrosis Region 11 News

2 PAGE 2 SIGMA THETA TAU, INC THETA ZETA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER SPRING 2010 D THETA ZETA MEMBER NEWS Alexandra Budnyk (BSN, 2008) has recently relocated to Baltimore, MD and is working in the Cardiac ICU at Johns Hopkins. Amy C. Pugh, (BSN, 2008) and Kerry S. Merkel will marry July 2, 2010 at Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle, PA.

3 SPRING 2010 SIGMA THETA TAU, INC THETA ZETA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 THETA ZETA CHAPTER PRESENTS IT S FIRST DISTINGUISHED NURSE COLLEAGUE AWARD Theta Zeta Chapter presented it s first Distinguished Nurse Colleague Award at the annual meeting held on May 12, The recipient of the award was Alison Mowery, DNP c, CRNP. Alison is a Chief Advanced Practitioner in the Department of Cardiology at GMC and Director, Advanced Practitioner Council of Nurse Practitioners. She also serves as an adjunct professor in the Bloomsburg University s Graduate Nurse Practitioner Program. Alison was noted to serve as a catalyst in the process of educating higher administration at Geisinger Medical Center about what certified nurse practitioners can provide in terms of increased patient satisfaction with care and revenue generation. Since becoming a certified nurse practitioner, Alison Mowery has assisted in more than doubling the number of nurse practitioners in practice within the Geisinger Health System. Congratulations are warmly extended to Alison Mowery for her visionary leadership that contributes to improved health care and best practices. She has truly demonstrated the Distinguished Nurse Colleague criteria in creating an environment that enhances the image of advanced practice nurses! Shown in the above photo are Alison Mowery receiving the award presented by Dr. Sheila Hartung, awards chair for Theta Zeta Chapter. THETA ZETA CHAPTER CO-SPONSORS A NURSING RESEARCH DAY WITH GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER S NURSING RESEARCH COUNCIL Bench to Bedside: Translating Evidence into Practice was the theme for the nursing research day held at Geisinger Medical Center s Henry Hood Center for Health Research on Friday, April 30, This full day event featured Dr. Karen Morin, DSN, RN, President of Sigma Theta Tau International as the keynote speaker. Dr. Morin launched the day of research activities with an inspiring speech about Using Evidence: All in a Day s Work. Dr. Grechen Lawhon, RN, PhD, from Cooper s Children s Regional Hospital (and a former graduate of GMC s School of Nursing), served as a plenary speaker where she spoke about The Journey of a Nurse Scientist in Providing Evidence for Best Neonatal Practice. Several breakout and poster sessions featuring current research by nurses from GMC, Bloomsburg University, and the surrounding areas were offered as part of the educational day. The program was well attended and was a huge inspiration and motivator for stimulating interest in nursing research and evidence based practices. Thanks are extended to our current chapter president, Adele Spegman, RN, PhD, Director of the Institute on Nursing Excellence at GHS for making this research day a very educational and productive venture!

4 PAGE 4 SIGMA THETA TAU, INC THETA ZETA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER SPRING 2010 Message from the Chair, Department of Nursing, Bloomsburg University Quantum Leadership is the latest buzz phrase for the Age of Technology. According to Porter-O Grady and Malloch (2007), quantum leaders are individuals who view change as a dynamic interaction with the environment. These leaders are experts in environmental scanning and can forecast circumstances and consequences based on future predictions. As a chapter, Theta Zeta has demonstrated all of the key elements of Quantum Theory - holistic forecasting, integration of all of its members, synthesis of leadership, scholarship, and clinical expertise, connections with the community and health care systems, and a strong sense of unity and team spirit. This newsletter presents information about the chapter s activities over the fall and spring months. The foundational concepts of Quantum Leadership Theory are profound within our chapter. We are developing future nurse leaders and scholars who can navigate and succeed within complex systems and operate between two world views actual reality and potential reality. These outcomes resulted from a strong framework of mentoring and professional role modeling. Our expectations for the newly inducted members are to be actively engaged in the chapter, demonstrate the professional principles embedded in Sigma Theta Tau, and mentor the next generation of nurse leaders. The Department of Nursing congratulates the new members on their induction into our chapter as well as the chapter for another successful year in accomplishments. We look forward to the fall upcoming events. (Porter-O Grady, T. & Malloch, K. (2007). Quantum leadership: a resource for health care Innovation. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.) RECOGNIZING NEW INDUCTEES 2010 The new inductees for Theta Zeta Chapter are as follows: Jason Ambrose, RN Diane Engelhardt, RN Samantha Rabuck Danielle Wrecsics Alisa Atno Allison Johnston Nicole Ransbottom Jessica Yancoskie, RN Miranda Beach Alysia Jones Katie Raymis Manda Beshore Cassandra Kling Amanda Shaw Jack Bogart, RN Sarah Lawrence Lain Sheatler Lois Buck, RN Megan Leonhartsberger Jeryl Simon Bjorg Christiansen, PhD,RN Brittany Martin Amy Sitler, RN Erica Coulson Kylie Matthews Janna Smith Jaime Debuski Jennifer McLean Rachael Snyder Katie Didyoung Sharon Novack, RN Lia Stewart, RN April Edmonds Susan Paz Amy Wislock

5 PAGE 5 SIGMA THETA TAU, INC THETA ZETA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER SPRING 2010 CHECK OUT WHAT STTI HAS TO OFFER! If you haven t done so recently, we encourage members to check out all of the exciting benefits that STTI offers its members. Visit the website and browse the many features. In addition to offering research conferences, leadership summits, and conventions, the organization offers many free continuing education programs that can be completed on-line. Some of those programs are open to nurses who are not members of STTI, so share that information with your fellow nurses who are looking for continuing education opportunities. The benefits of this organization are tremendous one just needs to take the time and seize the opportunity to utilize them for personal and professional growth. Most important, is to be sure to renew your membership by paying your dues. If you ve been inactive (not paying dues), it is easy to reinstate your dues paying on-line through the Membership information tab. If you wish to join Theta Zeta by transferring membership from another chapter or by establishing dual membership, that can be done through the Membership tab on the website, as well. If you know nurses in our community who would like to join Theta Zeta and STTI, encourage them to complete a community nurse leader application on line and submit it. Nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree or higher (the baccalaureate degree does not need to be in nursing) and who meet the qualifications for membership in STTI can be inducted at any time throughout the year. We need every member s help in anyway possible attending our meetings and programs; send us s about your educational/leadership activities so we can publicize your wonderful contributions to nursing; encouraging your nurse colleagues to join us and/or nominating them for the Distinguished Nurse Colleague Award. There are so many ways that we can Celebrate Nursing and the tremendous achievements or our members and other nurses who may consider becoming a member. If you have exciting news to share with your chapter through our newsletter, the information to lcook@bloomu.edu. Take care and have a wonderful summer! Hope to see you in the fall. Kayla Whitmoyer Farr receiving the Undergraduate Student Achievement Award Susan Trainor receiving the Lambda Nu Graduate Student Award

6 Spring 2010 SIGMA THETA TAU, INC THETA ZETA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER PAGE 6 THETA ZETA CHAPTER OF STTI HOST S ANNUAL SPRING INDUCTION CEREMONY ON MARCH 21, 2010 Theta Zeta Chapter of STTI welcomed 35 new members to the chapter at its Annual Spring Induction Ceremony at Frosty Valley Country Club in Danville, PA on March 21, Dr. Kathleen Pagana, PhD, RN, President of Pagana Keystones and Presentations was the featured guest speaker for the ceremony. She spoke about The Etiquette Advantage: Tools for Career Advancement. Dr. Pagana s book entitled The Nurse s Etiquette Advantage: How Professional Etiquette can Advance Your Nursing Career is available through STTI. Dr. Sheila Hartung, Awards Chair for Theta Zeta Chapter, presented the Theta Zeta Chapter Undergraduate Student Achievement Award to Kayla Whitmoyer Farr. Susan Carol Trainor was the recipient of the Graduate Student Nurse Award. The graduate student nurse award is funded through the former Lambda Nu Chapter of Lycoming College and given each year in recognition of an outstanding graduate nursing student s achievements. Congratulations are extended to both of these award recipient s! We are very proud of you!! The ceremony which followed a delicious Sunday brunch was well attended by the inductees, their family members, and Theta Zeta members. It was a delightful and memorable event. Community Nurse Leaders Senior Nursing Students Inducted Junior Nursing Students Inducted

7 PAGE 7 SIGMA THETA TAU, INC THETA ZETA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER SPRING 2010 STTI LEADERSHIP SUMMIT BY: HOLLY BARBELLA This past April, I had the opportunity to attend the STTI Leadership Summit, which was held in Atlanta. The purpose of these summits is to provide participants with opportunities to address and effectively meet current leadership challenges. The two -day event included a variety of keynote speakers and break out sessions with the goal of applying the information to improve leadership in general as well as improving leadership within the chapter. Highlights from the summit included meeting and listening to Dr. Tim Porter-O Grady, author of Quantum Leadership, who challenged us to be innovative leaders, harbor a sense of humor and surrender our attachment to processes in order to be available and open to new ideas. Another speaker presented, Leadership Lessons from the Dance Floor, where participants actively helped to demonstrate the concepts of the presentation as we practiced ballroom dancing moves taught by a professional dance instructor. The Leadership Summit was my first opportunity to attend a STTI event. As a participant, I was able to listen to excellent speakers, meet the leadership of our organization and network with other members. Personally, this was an excellent experience and as Sigma members, I strongly encourage all of you to make time to take advantage of these types of opportunities. You won t be disappointed! ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE The Theta Zeta Chapter s Annual Meeting was held on May 12, 2010 at the Pine Barn Inn, Danville, PA. After conducting the business meeting which included reports on the chapter s activities during , presentations were given by Sonia Reich, Dr. Sheila Hartung, Lori Metzger, CRNP, PhD, and Kay Blyler, BSN. Sonia Reich, RN, BSN, CCRN provided an interesting update on the research which was partially funded by Theta Zeta Chapter in She discussed the research conducted in collaboration with Chanda Ronk, RN, BSN, BS, CCRN on Evaluating Placement of Oral/Nasal Gastric Tubes: A Critical Care Nurses Perspectives. Dr. Sheila Hartung, PhD, RN; Lori Metzger, PhD(c ), CRNP; and Kay Blyer, BSN, Honors Nursing Student graduate from BU provided information about Collaborative Research between Academic and Clinical Institutions: A Community Example which highlighted findings from a community assessment of Sullivan County in PA. Dr. Sheila Hartung, Kay Blyler, Ms. Lori Metzger Sonia Reich Renew Your Membership Update Contact Information Use the link: to get to the page to renew your membership. You can use this link if you have allowed your membership to lapse.

8 SPRING 2010 SIGMA THETA TAU, TAU, INC INC THETA ZETA ZETA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER THETA ZETA CHAPTER ON FACEBOOK PAGE 8 THETA ZETA MEMBERS CAN NOW CONNECT ON FACEBOOK. THANKS TO THE EFFORTS OF SEN- IOR NURSING STUDENT MEMBER, SETH REED, A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED FOR THE CHAPTER MEMBERS TO PROVIDE MORE TIMELY INFORMATION ABOUT CHAPER EENTS AD HAPPENIGNS IN THE LIVES OF OUR CHPATER MEMBERS. IN ORDER TO ACCESS THE AC- COUNT, SETH OFFERS THESE INSTRUCTIONS: Facebook Instructional Sheet for Theta Zeta Members *If you are not currently a member of facebook, begin at instruction 1. If you are a member, skip step 8. directly to Go to Enter the information requested for first and last name, address, new password, gender, and birth date. Then click sign up. The next page gives you an option to search for friends that may be on facebook through your contacts. You may skip this step by clicking the statement in blue to the right of the text field. The next page gives text field where you can enter your education and company information. Hit the save and continue button to advance to the next page. Next you will be given a generated list of people you may know. You can click on different facebook users to add them as friends. It is not necessary to request any friends at this step. Click save and continue to advance. You are then given the option to upload a photo or take a photo with a web-cam if applicable, but this step is not necessary either in order to create an account. Uploading photos can be accomplished by clicking the upload a photo link which will allow you to browse desktop files and use a photo from your computer. Click save and continue when finished to advance. Now you have created your facebook page! There are tabs at the top of the screen that allow you to access a Home page with news feed on friends (that you have requested or added). A profile page where people can place comments for you to read and respond to, as well as creating photo albums and updating personal information on oneself. The inbox tab serves as a place for private messages to be received from others such as in an . You can send private messages and write on the walls of others through finding friends through search or using your own list of friends within that tab. There are a vast collection of possibilities on facebook, and I encourage all to explore the page to learn different ways to utilize the program. In order to join on the Theta Zeta group page in order participate in discussion and post events/promotions, you can use the search box at the top of the facebook home page (when logged into your profile). Type Sigma Theta Tau: Theta Zeta chapter and click search in the search box at the top right corner of the home page. The group should appear on the next screen with a picture of the Bloomsburg University Junior class inductees of last year and a description of the purpose of the group. You can then request to join the group and begin to post any concerns or information beneficial to the honors society and chapter. *There are also various tabs on the Group page that allow access to possibilities for posting group discussion topics or participating in discussions, promoting events pertinent to the organization or chapter, and a section to upload videos and photos that may be of interest to the society members. Thank you, and I encourage everyone to utilize this new resource for connection between Sigma Theta Tau members. I hope the page assist you in promoting significant discussion and events in the future. Seth Reed, BUSN

9 PAGE 9 SIGMA THETA TAU, INC THETA ZETA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER SPRING 2010 BLOOMSURG WALK FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS The Bloomsburg Walk for Cystic Fibrosis was held April 10, Jessica Lenig and her assistant Elizabeth Stewart (senior student members) did a fantastic job organizing the Theta Zeta team! Seventeen Theta Zeta members, several nursing student members, a BU nursing 09 graduate along with husbands and friends made the 3.2K trek on a beautiful morning. As of April 19 th the Bloomsburg Walk raised $22,219 for this important cause. Theta Zeta team members collected $765 of that total. Donations to Team Theta Zeta can still be made through the Cystic Fibrosis web page. GREAT WORK THETA ZETA! Team Members included: Jessica Lenig; Elizabeth Stewart; Janna Smith and husband; Rachael Snyder; Alisa Atno; Samantha Rabuck; Allison Johnson; Susan Paz; Jennifer McLean; Jeryl Simon; Megan Leonhartsberger; Whitney Peachey and friend; Margie Eckroth-Bucher and husband; Amanda Shaw; Alicia Coopersmith; Stephanie Wagner; Megan Welsh; Jennifer Kulp; Sarah Vito; Kevin Stanley. REGION 11 NEWS As STTI Region 11 Coordinator, I appreciate the chance to share a little about regional news with you. To start, you may or may not be aware that there are 15 elected regional coordinators in the organization who cover the USA and 22 countries. In my case, I am responsible for approximately half of Pennsylvania and New York and the 31 chapters in this geographical area. My role is to support chapter leaders and elected officers and chairpersons to accomplish their roles. To a large extent, I am like an information wheel, spinning out the how-to's and where-tofind information for ready access and use in chapters. I am always available to respond to questions that are asked about how make a good thing in the chapter even better! Recently, I have had the experience to keynote a program at Epsilon Xi, University of Rochester, and to speak about research resources at the program Theta Zeta co-sponsored with the Geisinger Medical Center on April 30th. In June, I welcomed new inductees at Omicron Alumni Chapter in Syracuse, New York. I look forward to traveling throughout the Region to meet more members and join with chapter leaders to promote even further the goals of the organization. The Region 11 Committee, consisting of 7 subcommittees and 29 volunteers, completed analysis of an online survey of chapters and we are ready to go to respond to many good ideas, interests, and needs expressed in the survey! Theta Zeta is well represented in the Regional efforts: Adele Spegman, President, Margie Eckroth-Bucher, Past President, Linda Cook, Publicity Chairperson, and Chris Alichnie, Finance Chairperson, are all active on the committee which shows the high level of interest and commitment in our chapter. The strength of the Region of course is related to the active participation of each member in his or her own chapter and I encourage you to make attendance at meetings and events a priority in your busy schedule for the 3-4 times per year that you receive notices about them. Like the gym membership that doesn't seem to make a difference in your life when you don't participate, membership in STTI and Theta Zeta is just like that: participate and you will well know what membership means for you! Take time to check out the website ( and use information there for evidence-based practice, library resources, free continuing education credits (for licensure), upcoming conferences, etc. Perhaps opposite to "losing weight" at the gym, you will "gain professional weight" in chapter and website involvement! If there is any way that I can better serve the chapter, just let me know! A honor to join. A benefit to belong. Make STTI's motto yours too! Dee Welk

10 Checkout New Webpage! EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Theta Zeta has moved to new web address: calendar/theta_events.htm PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY Adele Spegman, PhD, RN Mary Ann Cegielsky, CRNP, MSN Holly Barbella. RN, BSN Wondering what is new or what the next program is? TREASURER Brigid Pugh, RN, MSN Chairperson: Christine Alichnie, PhD Assistant Chairperson: Michelle Ficca, PhD Coordinator, MSN Program: Michelle Ficca, PhD Editor: Linda Cook, PhD Editorial Assistant: Mary Amick