Nursing Honor Society Inducts 44 New Members

The Tau Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing held its annual induction ceremony in Albany, New York, as part of Commencement 2010 activities. Dr. Bridget Nettleton, dean, School of Nursing welcomed forty-four nursing graduates, who “met or exceeded the standards for membership.”

Keynote speaker, Barbara Blakeney, RN, MS, innovation specialist at the Institute for Patient Care at Massachusetts General Hospital and immediate past president of the American Nurses Association, presented: “Change is Great — You go First!” Her program examined the knowledge explosion in technology and health care and discussed the pace at which research is turning ever more quickly into evidence-based practice.

Responding, reacting, and balancing technology with humanity of care is the challenge. She strongly noted, “Simple things — done with great expertise — can lead to elegant outcomes. Nurses who make it look simple have this essential piece of care.”

The formal induction ceremony commenced with each attending inductee received into membership with a pledge, the symbolic honor society pin, and signature in the Tau Kappa book. Leadership Awards were presented to Debra Jeffs, PhD, RN, and Bridget Nettleton, PhD, RN; Helene Wallingford, MS, RN, was recognized with a Chapter Mentorship Award; and the Research Award was presented to Patricia Edwards, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, associate dean, School of Nursing.

In closing, Dr. Nettleton reminded all that membership in the Tau Kappa honor society “is an experience to create throughout your career.”