Sigma is proud to welcome the Alpha Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Eastern Finland to the family—the first Sigma chapter in Finland. Despite a global pandemic and a few attempts to get started, the chapter has pushed through the steps that led to chartering in person today.
What is the state of nursing in your country? And what does your chapter plan to do to help elevate that?
The state of nursing in Finland is based on a very good level of education. Nursing professionals are highly appreciated by the public. Much like other countries, the global shortage of nurses is also a big concern in Finland, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic had enormous impacts on the nursing profession. Our chapter aims to support the nursing image and to further strengthen nursing professions as well as nursing research in Finland. We would also like to highlight international collaboration.
What drove your interest in chartering a Sigma chapter?
As an existing Sigma member, I often thought about how we could have a chapter in Finland. Many of us had been presenters at conferences organized by Sigma, and we had several discussions about forming our own chapter. Also, we had a few attempts to start a chapter, but we didn't quite finish. Now nine motivated nursing scientists have made it. I also would like to mention the support from the previous leaders of our department, professors, and Sigma officers. There was a strong push to do it!
What does it mean for your members to have a Sigma chapter based in Finland?Having a Sigma chapter in Finland means options for more networking nationally and internationally and a strong emphasis to support nursing, nursing leadership, and nursing science. It increases our international visibility.
Why is it important to have a Sigma chapter in Finland?
The importance of a Sigma chapter is networking—especially globally—and accurate knowledge. Our chapter is committed to promoting evidence-based, high-quality nursing. It is important to raise the already existing high profile of nursing, keep nurses in the spotlight, and make nursing attractive work for the future as well.
What are you most excited about?We are most excited to start the work based on Sigma values and goals. Now we have done big work creating the chapter, and next it is time to implement our ambitious plans.
What impact do you hope your chapter will have on nursing in your country?I hope our chapter will support the nursing profession at all levels and add to Sigma’s global value with our added work to Be Bold.
Welcome to the Sigma family, Alpha Beta Nu Chapter!