Sigma Theta Tau International

Sigma Theta Tau International is an international honor society of nursing that aims to promote excellence in nursing education, nursing research, and nursing practice. Founded in 1922 by Edith Moore Copeland, Martha Moffitt, and Elizabeth Russell Belford at Indiana University, the organization has grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious nursing honor societies in the world, with members from American Nurses Association, International Council of Nurses, and World Health Organization. The society is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has a strong presence in countries such as Australia, Canada, and United Kingdom. Notable members include Virginia Henderson, Hildegard Peplau, and Jean Watson, who have made significant contributions to the field of nursing.

● History

The history of Sigma Theta Tau International dates back to 1922, when six nursing students at Indiana University founded the organization with the goal of promoting excellence in nursing education and practice. The society's early years were marked by significant growth, with the establishment of chapters at University of Pennsylvania, University of California, Los Angeles, and University of Michigan. During World War II, Sigma Theta Tau International played a crucial role in supporting the United States Army Nurse Corps and the American Red Cross. The society has also been involved in various international initiatives, including collaborations with the World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, and International Committee of the Red Cross. Notable events in the society's history include the 1969 American Nurses Association Convention and the 1985 International Council of Nurses Congress.

● Organization

Sigma Theta Tau International is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors, which includes leaders from prominent nursing organizations such as American Association of Colleges of Nursing, National League for Nursing, and Association of Nurse Practitioners. The society has a strong presence in over 90 countries, with chapters at institutions such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and University of Sydney. The organization is also affiliated with other prominent nursing organizations, including Nursing Council of Hong Kong, Singapore Nurses Association, and Canadian Nurses Association. The society's headquarters are located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and are led by Kenneth Dion, who has previously served as a leader in American Nurses Association and National League for Nursing.

● Membership

Membership in Sigma Theta Tau International is open to nursing students, faculty, and professionals who demonstrate excellence in nursing education, research, and practice. Members include notable nursing leaders such as Margaret Newman, Nola Pender, and Sister Callista Roy, who have made significant contributions to the field of nursing. The society has over 135,000 members worldwide, with chapters at institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, University of California, San Francisco, and University of Toronto. Members have access to various benefits, including subscription to The Journal of Nursing Scholarship, which is published in collaboration with Wiley-Blackwell and Elsevier. The society also offers opportunities for professional development, including conferences and workshops sponsored by National Institutes of Health, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

Sigma Theta Tau International offers a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting excellence in nursing education, research, and practice. These include the Virginia Henderson International Nursing Library, which provides access to nursing literature and resources from National Library of Medicine and British Library. The society also offers research grants and awards, such as the Sigma Theta Tau International Research Award, which is sponsored by National Institute of Nursing Research and American Nurses Foundation. Other initiatives include the Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy, which is supported by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The California Endowment, and the Global Health Nursing Initiative, which is partnered with World Health Organization and United Nations Population Fund.

● Awards_and_Honors

Sigma Theta Tau International presents several awards and honors to recognize excellence in nursing education, research, and practice. These include the Epstein Award for Excellence in Research, which is sponsored by National Institute of Nursing Research and American Nurses Foundation, and the Archon Award for Excellence in Nursing Education, which is supported by National League for Nursing and American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The society also presents the International Award for Nursing Excellence, which is partnered with International Council of Nurses and World Health Organization. Notable award recipients include Jean Watson, Hildegard Peplau, and Virginia Henderson, who have made significant contributions to the field of nursing.

● International_Presence

Sigma Theta Tau International has a strong presence in over 90 countries, with chapters at institutions such as University of Tokyo, University of Hong Kong, and University of Cape Town. The society is affiliated with other prominent nursing organizations, including Nursing Council of Australia, Nursing Association of New Zealand, and South African Nursing Council. The organization has also collaborated with international organizations such as World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, and International Committee of the Red Cross on various initiatives, including the Global Health Nursing Initiative and the International Nursing Research Conference. The society's international presence is led by leaders such as Kenneth Dion and Elizabeth Madigan, who have previously served as leaders in American Nurses Association and International Council of Nurses.