Topic: Foundation Impact 

After years of personal health struggles and receiving exceptional care from nurses along the way, Tanya Arbour decided she wanted to become a nurse. She is currently in her final semester of her BScN program and is part of the Iota Omicron Chapter of Sigma. This year, she is one recipient of the Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy.

Continuing her Sigma membership has already allowed Tanya to keep up with current research using access to nursing journals. Once she is settled in her nursing career, Tanya hopes to be more involved in Sigma and to take advantage of the many member benefits, like networking, conferences and conventions, and continuing nursing education (CNE) opportunities. 

Patient-centered care is her passion. Tanya is completing her integrative practicum on the vascular/cardiology unit, and though she has developed a great interest in cardiovascular health, her great love is patient care. “When I walk into a patient’s room, I feel like I am in my element,” she said.

“This subsidy has meant the world to me,” Tanya said. “After having to take some time off from my nursing studies due to personal health reasons, I fell on harder times financially. With the help of this subsidy, I was able to maintain my membership in Sigma. I am truly grateful to all the donors who made this possible.” 

To learn more about empowering nurses like Tanya, visit SigmaNursing.org/Foundation.

Beta Beta (Dallas) Chapter member Wendy Lewis of Dallas, Texas, USA, is passionate about serving others in both her personal and professional life. She’s spent over 20 years working in the restaurant and bar industry but realized she wanted more professionally after the birth of her daughter. “It was important for me to stay in the service industry because I am passionate about serving others,” said Wendy. “Choosing nursing as a career was a natural path as it would allow me to serve and help care for those who cannot care for themselves.”

Wendy applied to nursing school and was able to begin on the path toward her exciting, new career. Her way wasn’t smooth, though, and Wendy found herself facing the financial difficulties that plague many returning students, especially those changing their careers. “Transitioning back to a full-time student has been difficult financially,” she says. “I am raising my 13-year-old daughter and am providing care for my mother, who has dementia. Even with financial aid, there are times when I feel financially insecure.”

She found the support and guidance to make it through, though, when her program director at Texas Woman’s University mentioned Sigma. “[She] encouraged me to join Sigma because it’s an organization for nurses specifically focused on promoting nursing excellence to help advance global health and can provide networking opportunities for nurses who share the same passions and goals about global health.” But the membership dues required put more strain on an already tense financial situation.

Luckily, Wendy found out about Sigma’s Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy, a grant that allows Sigma members who face economic insecurity to join Sigma. “The Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy allowed me to become a member of Sigma without worrying that I would put myself and my family at increased financial risk,” she says. “I realize the funds for this subsidy are available because of donations to the Sigma Foundation for Nursing’s Leadership Fund, and I am forever grateful for the donations that gave me this opportunity to join.”

Today, Wendy is well on her way of recreating herself and cultivating her path. She’s currently interning in the trauma/burn intensive care unit and loves the endless learning opportunities presented to her. “Every day I have clinicals or attend class, I feel incredibly honored and excited to have the opportunity to increase my knowledge,” she says. “I will continue to have passion throughout my career for learning because I truly feel it’s a lifetime process. You are never too old to learn something new!”

To learn more about empowering nurses like Wendy, please visit SigmaNursing.org/Foundation.

Meet Brenda Elliott, Sigma member, dedicated nurse researcher, military spouse, mother of four, and one of the Sigma Foundation for Nursing’s 2019 Leadership Education Grant recipients.

Brenda entered nursing while a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. She left the military in 1998 but continues to serve as a military spouse. In this position, Brenda and her family faced military relocations, which posed a challenge for her nursing career. “When online teaching started to grow, I realized there may be an opportunity to find this type of work that would allow me to teach, possibly at the same school, no matter where the military moved us.” With this in mind, Brenda made the decision to pursue her PhD.

Her dissertation — with a focus on military nurses — was yet another way she continued to serve the military. “I focused my dissertation on military nurses’ post-deployment experience, as a way to honor nurses who were doing what I had trained to do years ago, but never got called upon to deploy.”  Over the years, her area of research has expanded into veterans’ health concerns.

Brenda joined Sigma as a nurse leader into Theta Zeta Chapter in 2004 because she understood the importance of being connected locally for continuing education and networking opportunities at the start of her career.

Currently stationed in Italy, Brenda is not permitted to work due to the Status of Forces Agreement between the US and Italy. Nursing research has provided a way for Brenda to stay connected to nursing while giving back to a population she cares for deeply. “Over the years I have grown to love conducting research and publishing, so I am fortunate to do so now with more time on my hands until we return to the US and I can seek employment again. I love contributing to nursing science on topics that are near and dear to me, such as military nurses and veterans.”

The 2019 International Nursing Research Congress in Calgary, Canada was a perfect opportunity for Brenda and her US-based research colleagues to present their research studies Facilitating Veteran Learning in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Education: The Faculty Perspective and Veterans’ Experiences of Learning and Knowledge Transfer in Baccalaureate Nursing Education. Unfortunately, the cost for attending this conference was a barrier. “While I do not come from a poor country, living overseas and being unemployed certainly makes things more challenging.” The Sigma Foundation for Nursing offers Leadership Education Grants to help members like Brenda attend Sigma events.

The benefits of these conferences extend far past sharing research with an international audience. “Not interacting with other educators for long periods of time can be difficult, so continuing to do research and disseminating it gives me purpose. Being able to network and get new ideas is motivating. Attending the conference helped to keep me connected to the profession.”

Receiving this grant not only helped ease the financial burden on Brenda and her family, but provided Brenda and her research colleagues the opportunity to collaboratively disseminate their research, brainstorm next steps, network and make connections with others interested in their area of research, and encounter new lines of inquiry. In addition, the conference provided the continuing education needed to maintain her CNE® Certification.  

Speaking to donors who made the grant she received possible, Brenda shared, “I am humbled to have been selected to receive this funding! I believe the money was well invested as we will continue to grow our area of study. I will be forever grateful. Thank you.”

Grants like the one Brenda received help nurses in every stage of their career. You can help increase funding to make more of these opportunities possible. Donate today and designate your gift to leadership.

Growing up in the 1970s, Sharon Latimer often accompanied her mother, a nurse, at work on the weekends. “During these visits, I loved speaking to patients and hearing about their life. I was also amazed by the important care nurses delivered to patients. This experience made me realize I wanted to help people when they were unwell and at their most vulnerable.”

As a nurse researcher, Sigma was a natural fit for Sharon. “I wanted to join an international nursing organization to expand my education, nursing, and research networks, and to be inspired by nursing leaders.” And Sharon’s current role at Griffith University (Queensland, Australia) gives her the opportunity to combine clinical practice and research, expanding her reach to care for vulnerable populations. “I enjoy educating undergraduate and post-graduate nurses because this is my opportunity to influence the next nursing generation and patient care. I also love collaborating with clinicians on research projects in the area of medication safety and pressure injury prevention.”

To assist Sharon in her research pursuits, she was awarded a Small Research Grant by Sigma for her study to implement a patient-centered pressure injury prevention care bundle. This study is an extension of her previous work. “In 2016 I completed my PhD on patient participation in their pressure injury prevention care. My research found that patients want to participate in their pressure injury prevention care, but they didn’t know how or what to do.” Her current study will actively engage patients in their own care to reduce pressure injuries.

Speaking to the importance of these grants for nurse researchers, Sharon says, “Safe, evidence-based patient care is central to nursing work; however, gathering this evidence can be time-consuming. Research grants like those from Sigma are critical in driving the nursing research agenda and help us find the answers to our vital clinical questions and issues.”

Sharon’s grant is only possible thanks to donations from members and chapters to the Sigma Foundation for Nursing. Want to help more nurse researchers like Sharon contribute to nursing science? Donate today and designate it to research.

Rehema Mligo started her training as a nurse at the Peramiho School of Nursing (Tanzania). Her decision to pursue nursing was influenced by watching her mother care for others. She believes she was called to this vocation to care for sick people and have a positive impact on her community.

She was inducted into Sigma’s virtual Phi Gamma Chapter in 2018. Sigma’s reputation as an innovative organization at the forefront of nursing made a strong impression on her and led to her desire to join. The access to a career in education, recognition, and professional development opportunities she received through Sigma were important to her career goals.

In her current role as a nurse tutor with the Ministry of Health in Tanzania, Rehema can make a positive impact on those in her community. She knows that what she does will improve the lives of patients and influence other caregivers in her country. When asked what she enjoys most about her current work, she shares, “I enjoy proper management of patients and seeing what I do prevent disease.”

Rehema found her past experiences and observations of clinical instructors interacting with nursing students disappointing. She encountered poor practices in training that are not in the best interest of furthering nursing and patient care. Her observations drive her to find ways to create a positive learning environment for students training in their formative years.

This year, Rehema was awarded a Small Research Grant from Sigma to pursue this focus area and improve the learning environment for nursing students in Tanzania. Her study will identify the most effective formal training in instructional methodologies to ensure graduates have the skills they need and understand their role in patient care.

Funding for Rehema’s study is only possible because of donations from members and chapters made to the Sigma Foundation for Nursing. To those who are supporting her work, Rehema has a message for you: “My heartfelt thanks to you again and again. Without you it would not be possible for me to finish my PhD. I will join you as a donor one day to ensure students and all researchers can pursue meaningful studies.”

Want to support more aspiring nurse researchers like Rehema’s? Donate to research today.

Nu Beta at-Large Chapter member Rebekka Lerma is driven by the same force that drives most who work in the healthcare field, especially in the field of nursing: a passion to serve others. Her passion was formed early, and those life experiences mirrored those of the communities she would later feel called to serve.

Rebekka Lerma grew up in Brawley, California, a small, rural community that bordered Mexico. Both of her parents had instilled the value of hard work and a strong work ethic within their daughter, and Rebekka entered the workforce at age 15. This first job happened to be in a medical office that offered OB/GYN services to primarily low-income women, and Rebekka knew she had found her calling.

“Growing up, I experienced firsthand what it felt like not to have access to healthcare. There were very few primary care offices and clinics and making appointments was a challenge. The only available access to medical care was through the emergency room.” Rebekka continues, “These experiences have helped me find my true joy and passion in helping others in need from a medical standpoint. I wanted to be able to deliver equitable and patient-centered healthcare to all people, especially those living in rural and medically underserved communities.”

Rebekka would continue to serve her community in that medical office throughout her high school career, until she began classes at the University of California San Diego, about two hours away from her hometown. After graduation, she obtained another position working in a surgical office, but realized she needed more. “I was able to gain an immense amount of experience after graduation, but despite my love for medicine, my heart ached for more. I wanted to combine my love for the biological sciences with the sociological aspect of understanding the person as a whole.”

As it turns out, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing was able to help Rebekka ease that ache. She’ll earn her MSN in May 2019 and plans on continuing her education with the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner doctorate program. Rebekka’s time as an MSN student has been enriched by many experiences, including opportunities to travel to rural communities in Guatemala with other nursing students and being a member of an interdisciplinary student team that focused on overcoming social barriers to health, as well as the opportunity to connect with others who share her passion.  

This connection opportunity came in the form of being offered membership into Sigma, something Rebekka was elated to accept. But, as with most current students, money can be quite tight and membership to Sigma simply wasn’t an option for her. At least, not until she discovered the Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy. The Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy is funded solely through donations to the Sigma Foundation for Nursing’s Leadership Fund and would not be available without the support of Sigma Foundation donors. Support that gives new members the opportunity to connect with an international community of nurses who share their passion. “Without this subsidy, I would not have been able to experience all the opportunities that Sigma has offered me. I am beyond grateful to all the gracious donors who have contributed to the Leadership Fund, because without them, none of this would be possible.”

What’s next for Rebekka? Aside from continuing her education, she wants to continue to and better serve those who need it the most. “Ultimately, I see myself working in outpatient primary care and continuing to work to better support and advocate for the vulnerable populations.”

“What I love most about what I’m doing right now is being able to achieve a balance between immediate medical attention and care beyond the hospital,” she says. “I am in this unique position as a future registered nurse to work in a critical care setting, learning all the critical care aspects in medicine while working to provide holistic care for patients.”

Interested in providing opportunities for more student nurses like Rebekka? You can learn more various opportunities by contacting the Sigma Foundation for Nursing or visiting www.SigmaNursing.org/Foundation.

Dr. Louise Racine, PhD, MScN, BScN, became a nurse to help and care for people, bringing humanism while assisting people during illness, crisis, or end of life. Additionally, achieving the scientific and social mission of the nursing discipline is an important concern for her.

According to Louise, who is currently a professor in the college of nursing at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, one of the duties assigned to nurses includes the advancement of nursing knowledge and applying research findings in ways that guide culturally competent nursing actions. Louise said, "Sigma’s [research] grants are important because they allow us to continue the advancement of that knowledge."

Research is a passion for Louise, who focuses on immigrant and refugee health. She recognized that immigrants and refugees are particularly vulnerable due to the hardships of migration and the health issues associated with resettlement. As a result, she applied for and received the Sigma Theta Tau International/Canadian Nurses Research Grant for her study “Breast Cancer Barriers and Facilitators Among Islamic/Muslim Refugee Women in Canada: A Mixed Method Study.” This study will help nurses design culturally appropriate health promotions to increase knowledge about breast cancer and how to perform breast self-examinations (BSE) and undergo mammograms in preventative efforts.

“Nurses need to understand the cultural context of the Arabic culture and the Islamic faith on women’s behaviors and willingness to perform BSE to enable primary and secondary prevention,” noted Louise. “This research will inform us about potential means to educate women on breast cancer.”

We hope that Louise’s research will have a lasting impact on healthcare. "My research has to be useful to marginalized and racialized populations,” Louise said. “Attending Sigma activities has helped me disseminate my research."

For Zeta Omega at-Large chapter member Dumebi Oforah, it’s all about helping others. Members of the community, his family, or simply a chance meeting with a stranger – Dumebi strives to improve the lives of those around him every single day. It’s no surprise that he turned to nursing as a career, then, as it joined his passion for learning with his dedication to help others.

Dumebi’ s journey began when he enrolled in Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria, Africa. In 2014 though, he moved to the United States, transferring his credits to Farmingdale State College in New York, US. Shortly thereafter, in 2015 he began working as a behavioral health associate at the South Oaks Hospital in New York and graduated with his bachelor of science in bioscience from Farmingdale just a year later.

Continuing to feel the pull of the nursing field, Dumebi earned admittance into the accelerated nursing program at the College of New Rochelle in Rochelle, New York, US in June 2017. It was during this time that Dumebi heard of Sigma, an organization offering support and resources to nurses at any stage in their career.

“I joined because of the career opportunities, educational recognition, and the networking opportunities Sigma offers to its members,” he said. “It has been a golden experience for me so far, exposing me to different resources and networking opportunities within both the academic and clinical areas that can support and guide me as I advance through my career and education.”

Dumebi was also able to take advantage of one of those resources before he was even inducted this past November, when he was selected as a recipient of the Sigma Foundation’s Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy grant. The grant covers the membership dues for an entire year, allowing deserving students the ability to join Sigma. “It [the Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy grant] was a great opportunity that aided me to pay for my membership fees, allowing me to join the Sigma Theta Tau International honor society and take my place within the Sigma family. Already, membership is aiding me in the advancement of my career through the mentorship and networking interactions with a multitude of great Sigma nurse leaders that I now have access to.”

Dumebi is graduating from the College of New Rochelle’s accelerated nursing program in January 2019 and plans on continuing to use his Sigma membership throughout his career. “I want to join in the education of our community, easing the burden of health challenges and aiding in the fight and eradication of diseases and other serious health conditions.”

From an early age, Sunny Chieh Cheng knew she wanted to be a nurse. As a nine-year-old, she needed an operation; however, due to her sister battling leukemia, her parents were unable to stay with her during her overnight hospital stay. It was during this time that she met a nurse who inspired her. “I wanted to repay the kindness that was shown to me and help others when they can’t help themselves.”

Sunny was first introduced to Sigma as a nursing student in Taiwan in 2016. “I was thrilled about how welcoming this organization is for nursing students. I chose to join Sigma because I love its mission of improving the health of the world’s people and its constant endeavor to nurture more nurse leaders”. Sunny serves as a school counselor for her chapter, Psi at-Large Chapter. “I look forward to passing on what I learn from Sigma to the next generation.”

Sunny’s early work in psychiatric settings in Taiwan fueled her passion for the field. To expand her knowledge, she pursued her PhD at the University of Washington (UW). It was here that she worked as a research assistant for nationally funded projects while also serving and teaching a diverse population. “I really enjoy collaborating with people to do what is right for a more just and equitable world.”

Today, Sunny is an Assistant Professor at UW Tacoma. She loves not only teaching her students but what she learns from them as well. Sunny is also continuing to make contributions to psychiatric nursing through ongoing research to improve care for patients suffering from mental illness. Earlier this year, Sunny received a research grant from Sigma for her study, “Psychosis Risk Syndrome Experience of Family Caregivers of Patients With Schizophrenia: A Mixed Methods Study.”

Addressing the importance of these grants, she shares “These small grants help nurse researchers to conduct original and innovative studies that reflect substantial advancement in nursing science and patient care. I am passionate about my program of research and I really appreciate this grant for supporting research in mental health and psychiatry nursing areas.”

Speaking about the importance of her current study, she shared: “Caregiving of individuals with mental illness, which is a chronic illness across life span, is physically, emotionally, and mentally draining.  First episode psychosis occurs predominantly among adolescents and young adults and constitutes a critical period which influences long term outcomes. This study will inform work underway to develop a model of care for families navigating a loved one’s early psychosis before the first hospitalization to restore the resilience and quality of lives of family caregivers.”

With her background in psychiatric nursing, Sunny understands the importance of taking care of oneself and being receptive of help received from others. “I think I got to where I am today because I keep my heart wide open to new experiences and I appreciate the people who have helped me along the way. Challenges and frustrations do happen, but I practice self-care to stay positive and motivated.”

The Sigma Foundation for Nursing has a long tradition of funding research grants like this one which is critical to advancing nursing science.  The funding provided for this research study is only possible thanks to our donors.

Psi Beta Chapter member Carielle Joy Rio’s journey in the field of nursing began early in her life. Her mother is a nurse, and Carielle was inspired by her mother’s calmness and judgment during times of sickness in her family. So, when it came time for Carielle to choose a major at university, the choice was easy. “I thought nursing would somehow allow me to take care of both myself and my parents; enabling me to make better health decisions for them as they grew older.”

Carielle earned both her bachelor of science and her master’s in nursing from Central Philippine University and worked as a staff nurse at West Visayas State University Medical Center in the Philippines. She would go on to earn her PhD in nursing from Silliman University. It was during her time at Silliman that she was exposed to Sigma and a whole new world of experiences was opened to her. “It [Sigma] has given me access to great resources like the Virginia Henderson Repository, allowed me to connect and interact with other scholars and really learn from their works.”

Today, Carielle is a member of the Faculty of Nursing at Universitas Pelita Harapan in Indonesia, using her personal and professional experiences to guide and support the next generation of nurses. When asked what she enjoys the most about what she’s doing professionally today, Carielle mentioned her students and her community works immediately. “Prior to moving to Indonesia to teach, I was a community nurse with Medical Ambassadors Philippines, where we serve the indigenous cultural communities when healthcare resources are scarce. I was also a volunteer nurse educator for women who were victims of prostitution and human trafficking.” She continues, “The opportunity to work as a nurse educator in a foreign country is as rewarding as it is challenging. I have always been fascinated with languages, and learning a new language is a huge plus for me. Indonesia is a country rich with culture and beautiful geography. My students come from all over Indonesia; bringing with them the culture and perspectives of their respective ethnic groups, making it a great environment for learning.”

In between her duties as a faculty member, this past July Carielle was able to attend and present her research at Sigma’s 29th International Nursing Research Congress, thanks to a Leadership Education Grant provided by the Delta Theta Giving Circle. The Delta Theta Giving Circle Leadership Education Grant is funded by donors from the Delta Theta Chapter who donate a set amount each year in order to provide funding for members from low- or middle-income countries who want to attend Sigma events.  “Thanks to the generosity of the Delta Theta Giving Circle, not only was I able to attend the congress and present my research, but I was also able to connect with Sigma nurse scholars who share similar research interests and learn from their works.” She continues, “The sessions and plenary also gave me new insights about research and nursing; and I was able to learn more about the Sigma chapter-development process. Doing so deepened my appreciation and commitment of the nurse scholars who gave so much to establish my home chapter [Psi Beta Chapter].”

To discuss how you can set up your chapter’s own Giving Circle, contact Becky Frey at rebecca@sigmanursing.org or +1.317.917.4977 (International).

It started with a scholarship grant. Originally wanting to be a medical doctor, Pi Iota and Alpha Eta Chapter member Dr. Jordan Salvador found himself the recipient of a full scholarship to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Immediately, he knew everything was going to get better. “I came from a family with an average socioeconomic status and life hasn’t always been easy without money. As soon as I was offered the scholarship grant for full tuition in the BSN program at the Saint Francis of Assisi College in Las Piñas, Philippines, though, I began to have hope that everything would change.”

And change it did. After receiving his nursing license in 2007, Jordan began working in the Male Medical surgical ward at the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines-Seamen’s Hospital (AMOSUP Seamen’s) in Manila, Philippines. While employed, he was awarded a second, full-tuition scholarship grant that allowed him to enroll in a Master of Arts in Nursing program, with a focus in Nursing Administration. Jordan completed his master’s program in two years, earning both his MA in Nursing as well as a promotion to Intensive Care Unit Manager at AMOSUP Seamen’s. Still feeling that pull toward greatness, Jordan began his first PhD journey with his third scholarship grant — one that fully funded his PhD program at Philippine Women’s University Manila. In 2014, Jordan graduated and earned his doctorate, passing his PhD program and received an invitation to join the ranks of great nurse leaders, researchers, and clinicians from around the world through Sigma’s Pi Iota Chapter in Hong Kong. He would later earn his second PhD from Saint Paul University Manila, graduating summa cum laude in Nursing Education, focusing on Educational Leadership and Management.

Even though he was excited by the invitation and gladly joined Sigma, Jordan didn’t get too involved or engage much with his chapter at first. That all changed when he was able to meet past Sigma Chief Executive Officer Dr. Patricia Thompson and past Sigma President Dr. Hester C. Klopper during the Inaugural Asia Regional Conference held in Yerevan, Armenia, in 2015, where he was one of the plenary speakers. “I was moved and astonished with how these nursing leaders were able to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.” He continues, “The love and passion for the profession radiates from these leaders; seen in the ways they speak and interact with members. I really admired them and wanted to be them.”

This moment acted as a catalyst for Jordan, as he realized his desire to inspire and lead future generations of nurses, igniting the same passion for the nursing profession in others that had been ignited for him. “I want the younger generations to know that all things are possible as long as we act on them. You can make a difference as long as you have the love, passion, and dedication to serve others.” With that thought in mind, Jordan accepted a lecturer post position at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (formerly the University of Dammam) in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He worked his way up and is presently one of the youngest assistant professors and PhD holders there. Further, he was also a key force (and the only Filipino) who led the national college accreditation charge for Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, receiving full accreditation status in 2017. He has been appointed as the Chairperson for Quality Assurance and Accreditation unit, is a Supervisor for the Examination and Assessment unit, and has been awarded a fellowship in Quality in Healthcare by the International Society of Quality in Healthcare (ISQua).

When asked what he enjoys most about his work today, his answer echoes what he’s most passionate about in the profession: education and research. “As a nurse educator, I enjoy mentoring and coaching future nurses, whether in education, practice, or research. I also enjoy presenting my own research projects and works in various nursing conferences around the world and meeting, building professional networks, and lifelong friendships with my fellow Sigma members.” He also makes time to give back to those in both his geographical and professional communities, as a way to honor those who came before him while providing leadership to those who will come after. “Although I currently work in Saudi Arabia, I make sure that whenever I’m back in the Philippines, I organize and conduct mentoring sessions for young nurses to help encourage their initiatives and active volunteerism with projects that promote healthy and advance nursing as a profession.”

Even though he exudes this leadership style in everything he does, Jordan still claims he can’t take all the credit. “Sigma motivated me to walk the talk and start doing something for others. For me, Sigma isn’t just a nursing organization, but a newfound family that develops nurses to be the leaders of today and tomorrow. Sigma will continue to grow because of its passionate leaders who believe in the potentials of its members — myself included.”

How do you describe a nurse? Terms like giving, caring, and passionate traditionally come to mind immediately. Often, terms like scientific exploration, scholarship, and research are secondary descriptors. Not so for Sigma nurses. Sigma nurses and nurse researchers understand that scientific exploration, scholarship, and research continue to drive innovation and discovery within the field of nursing, thus driving the field forward. It is considered a very important aspect of the profession, so those secondary descriptors make sense, especially to Sigma nurses.

Sigma nurse researcher and Chi Omicron at-Large Chapter member Dr. Adesola Adenike Ogunfowokan thought it made sense too. She saw something within her community that she wanted to positively change, and she knew that research and scientific exploration could provide the opportunity for that change to occur. Her journey with Sigma began seven years ago when, impressed by the connections and opportunities afforded to Sigma nurses, she was thrilled to join the Chi Omicron at-Large Chapter. Now, senior lecturer and acting head of the Department of Nursing Science at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, Adesola can continue to herald the importance of research, scholarship, and Sigma to our next generation of nurses.

Adesola, initially interested in community health nursing, graduated with her bachelor of nursing science degree in 1997 and, like many Sigma nurses, took her first appointment as a clinical nurse. Later, she secured a position at the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, Nigeria but was unable to be appointed as a graduate nurse due to the stigma surrounding the need for advanced clinical nursing degrees at the time. Adesola, being called to the research and scholarship side of nursing, however, pushed through this stigma. It wasn’t long until she secured an appointment as a Nurse Clinical Lecturer at her alma mater and enrolled in the Community Health Nursing program, earning her MSc, her PhD, and the title of Senior Lecturer, all by 2012. By 2014, Adesola was selected as a Fellow for the Sigma/IDEN postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland, and has since been selected as a Sigma Small Grants recipient to further her research of sexual abuse experiences and the effect educational intervention has on the prevention of sexual abuse among adolescent girls.

Even though her passion and desire to care for others drove her throughout her career, Adesola credits her experience at the 2013 International Nursing Research Congress in Prague, Czech Republic for exposing her to the pioneering research her fellow nurses were producing. And it all started with a Leadership Education Grant from Sigma that allowed Adesola to travel and attend to her first International Nursing Research Congress. “Attending an International Research Congress and the 43rd Biennial Convention in 2015 exposed me to cutting-edge research in my field— (school health, adolescent and reproductive health) as well as the innovative nurse researchers behind it.” She continues “[Nurse researchers] should ensure they associate with achievers who will continually sharpen their vision and assist in moving their careers forward.”

Adesola’s passion for enacting positive change doesn’t stop with research however. She consistently encourages nurse researchers to go after the research grants that Sigma offers. “I am quite aware that there are some researchers, especially from developing countries, that have been struggling to get the research grants necessary to fund their proposals.” She continues, “I have made many efforts previously to fund my research, but the Sigma grant is the first grant I will ever receive. Don’t be discouraged! Sigma makes it easier for nurse researchers to get funding for their proposals.”
Research funding, along with raising awareness about the research and funding opportunities available to nurses, even if they aren’t Sigma members, motivates Adesola to donate to some of the same funds that helped her start her research career. “This is very important to me, as it has enhanced my research productivity and visibility, both as a researcher and a nurse. Sigma has transformed me into an International Scholar.”

Chi Mu Chapter member Laura Price has dedicated her life to providing unique and specific care for her patients while striving for excellence in her nursing career. So, when she was invited to join Sigma, she was thrilled―until she realized the cost of obtaining membership. “Being dedicated to the nursing program at California Baptist University (CBU) full-time resulted in my being unable to work often, leaving the opportunity to join Sigma out of reach at the time,” Laura says. “After visiting the website, however, I discovered some of the financial assistance opportunities Sigma offers, namely the Edith Anderson Membership Grant! Being chosen for this grant has enabled me to gain membership, attend the March 2018 induction ceremony and continue enriching my nursing career".

Albeit new to Sigma, her dedication to providing care for others is not. From a young age, Laura has felt the call to care for others in their time of need, beginning with the care of her grandparents. Around the same time, Laura had decided she wanted to go into the nursing profession and began volunteering at her local hospital. The volunteer experience that started before even applying to nursing programs provided Laura with her initial experience of patient care and further solidified her career choice.

By the time she had finished her first semester at CBU, she had decided to pursue her CNA certification, so she could obtain a more hands-on experience in caring for patients. She hasn't stopped there, however. She also earned her Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and CPR certifications, and is currently a caregiver preceptor and home care aide at Livingston Caregivers. "It felt natural to care for others, and throughout my life, I have continued to receive confirmation that nursing is indeed my true calling," says Laura.

As Laura continues to elevate her nursing career, she is most excited to continue building rapport with her patients and learning about providing patient-specific care. "Each patient’s condition is unique, and providing them with patient-specific care is how I can improve their overall health condition," says Laura. "Sigma is a big part of that, as I now have the opportunity to be a part of an organization that recognizes the value of scholarship and excellence in nursing."

Delta Chi at-Large Chapter member McKenzie Mills already knows that hard work and caring are required to become a nurse, but even the hardest worker sometimes needs a helping hand. “Being a full-time nursing student is not easy. Between clinical hours, theory lectures, extracurricular activities, work, and more, there is little room for extra. I currently work two jobs, am involved with campus clubs and committees, and represent my college as a nursing senator and student ambassador. I have wanted to be a member of Sigma since my first semester of nursing school. While I was highly motivated to be inducted into this society, another membership fee did not seem feasible at the time. Thanks to the Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy, I was able to gain membership and attend the induction ceremony, allowing me to begin laying the groundwork for my nursing career.”  

Though McKenzie is new to nursing, her dream to serve others is not. From a young age, McKenzie has desired to help others. It’s the personal moments that are the most meaningful to her. “I love getting to know people, hearing their stories and providing them with some form of comfort or relief,” said McKenzie. She wants to be an advocate for her patients, making a difference through compassionate caring. Her passion for this can be seen throughout her path to nursing. 

Before embarking on her educational journey, she worked as a certified nursing assistant and medication technician. This gave her the opportunity to work in a hands-on setting with patients that she grew to love. This love was further fostered after she started at Washington State University College of Nursing, when her journey led her to Peru. In Peru, she had the opportunity to become immersed in a culture far different from her own and work with individuals of impoverished communities.

As McKenzie gets ready to enter her professional nursing career, she is most excited for the opportunity to aid in the improvement of individuals' health, quality of life, and well-being. She says, “Nurses have the opportunity to maximize health potential in all settings throughout the community by serving people of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses.  I love that I will have the opportunity to interact with people and learn from each of them.”

"I am so grateful for the Edith Anderson Membership subsidy! Without it, I would not have been able to apply and join Sigma. Sigma offers a variety of career, resume, and school help that has enabled me to become not only a great student, but future nurse as well! Sigma is perfect for me!" said Safia Khan, who with help from the Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy, joined Sigma last year. Khan will be graduating May 2018 with a dual degree in nursing and psychology and is hard at work on her honors capstone project, which is focused on the effects of physical activity on diabetes distress symptoms (such as depression and fatigue). 

Khan felt that nursing was a fit for her because it requires constant learning and hard work, but is also rewarding for both the nurse and patient. The interaction between the nurse and patient and the bond that is formed is something that Khan’s is most gratified by. “The most enjoyable moments have been the wishes of gratitude and ‘good luck’ from the patients I have worked with so far during clinicals and my workplace. It feels good to know that I am appreciated by others for my hard work, and it encourages me to further advance my nursing career.” said Khan.

It's Khan’s dedication and hard work that make her not only a natural fit for nursing, but also an ideal Sigma member. Sigma’s reputation is strong in the Chicago area where Khan attends school at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In part because of Sigma’s reputation, Khan feels “Sigma provides invaluable opportunities for nurses (both current and future) to further their careers academically, socially, and professionally.”