We had a lovely Alpha Chapter Induction Ceremony on April 5th. Thank you to all the deans, faculty, inductees, and their families for celebrating this special occasion with us. Dr. Anna McDaniel was our keynote speaker and provided an excellent presentation on The Many Meanings of Sigma. Dr. Meg Moorman received the Rebecca T. Markel Excellence in Mentoring Award. Scholarship recipients were Angelica Montgomery and Zoe Wallace as they were found to be meritorious for their involvement in university and school activities for their nursing program. Congratulations to our 72 new Alpha Chapter and Sigma members from all nine Indiana University campuses! We welcome them to this prestigious, global network of nurses working daily to change lives and advance healthcare!

Sincerely,

Angela Opsahl, Alpha Chapter President

The Sigma Theta Tau International Biennium in San Antonio, Texas was such a wonderful event! Alpha Chapter received the 2023 Sigma Chapter Key Award on November 13th (the seventh time for this recognition). Alpha Chapter also received the North America Region 9 Recognition Award and an honor to receive both awards as Alpha Chapter President. Hanna Raber and I attended the Sigma delegation for elections with over 1,000 voting global delegates. We had a great time connecting with members and a special moment to talk with Dr. Jean Watson! Sandra Bibb was installed as the Sigma President on November 15^th at the Board Elections, and her organizational Call to Action: Represent. Dr. Bibb encourages us to understand that “we are all leaders, and we must represent our unique selves and collective change in our shared world.” #SigmaConv23

Sincerely,

Dr. Angela Opsahl, Alpha Chapter President

Dear Alpha Chapter Members,

In honor of Founder's Day, Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society (Sigma) and Indiana University School of Nursing co-sponsored the food drive during the month of October to combat the food insecurity of our students on each of the nine IU campuses. As Alpha Chapter President, I am happy to report that over 1,800 items were collected throughout the state with IU Kokomo winning the campus challenge again this year. This service project helps support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2: End hunger, achieve food security, improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. We are grateful to all the faculty, staff, and students that donated to this special cause!
Sincerely, Dr. Angela Opsahl

Dear Alpha Chapter Members,

I hope this message finds you well. Our chapter has two special initiatives we are sponsoring during the month of October! 

The Phi Gamma, Omicron Delta, Nu Xi at-Large, Alpha, Xi Nu, & Delta Omicron Chapters, in collaboration with Our Lady of Fatima University, 
are thrilled to welcome…

Gloria Chan, DNP, CRNA, Vice President, Sigma 

who will be presenting 

"Following in the Founders' Footsteps: Facilitating Leadership Development"                                                                                                                on October 5, 2023, at 8:00 PM EST                                                                                                                                                                                1(one) FREE CNE/CPD/Contact Hour for ALL Sigma members 

JOIN US by REGISTERING HERE. 

ZOOM Registration link – http://bit.ly/CNEFoundersDay2023

*Omicron Delta is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
*This webinar is provider approved for 1(one) CNE/Contact Hour -- CEP# 16709. 

Indiana University School of Nursing and the Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society (Sigma) are co-sponsoring a canned food drive during October to benefit our students' food insecurity on each of the nine IU campuses.

Dr. Angela Opsahl, Alpha Chapter President, encourages all campuses to join in the global Founder's Day for Sigma celebration during the month of October. Canned food donations will take place for the entire month.

All canned food donations will benefit the campus food pantry to relieve the food insecurity of our campus students. Sigma is a special consult to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to solve humanitarian issues. This service project helps support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2: End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

We welcome a bit of friendly competition to see which campus can collect the most significant number of canned foods during October.

Sincerely, Angela Opsahl

Dear Chapter Members,

I hope this message finds you well. Indiana University School of Nursing has planned a policy conference event on September 15, 2023, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm EST. The conference is titled Urgency of Now: Advancing Health Policy Through Education, Research, and Leadership. This day-long event is divided into two sessions. The conference is designed to ignite bold advocacy and empower attendees to respond to the urgent need for engagement in various health policy and advocacy arenas. Registration deadline is Sunday, September 10, 2023. Please consider attending this special event!

Sincerely,

Angela Opsahl

Link: https://iu.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=5&EID=87749

Cost to attend
$99 for conference participants

$79 for Indiana University faculty and staff
$49 for all college and university students

Credits
ANCC Contact Hours (5.00 hours)

Dear Members,

We want to take this time to bring our Alpha Chapter members forward with their presentations and publications during the biennium. We are proud of their efforts to disseminate this important work.  We celebrate you!

Sincerely,

Angela Opsahl, Alpha Chapter President

Member Presentations and Publications:

Bassett, K. A. (Co-Presenter), CELT Fall Conference, "Leadership Escape Room Challenge," CELT Purdue University, Purdue University Ballroom, Fort Wayne, IN, United States. (2021). - Abstract Submitted

Utilizing an Academic-Practice Partnership to Transform Professional Development Civility Education. Opsahl, A., Embree, J., & Howard, M. Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Research Congress, Edinburgh, Scotland. July 21-25, 2022, in-person; August 3-5, 2022, virtual conference.

Roush, K. Patient Care Internship Program Developed to Support Nursing Student Transition to Clinical Setting. 1st Annual SNC Scholarship Day. Virtual presentation. January 7, 2021. Indianapolis, IN.

Bassett, K. A. (Presenter). Moving Towards Wellness: Optimizing System Stability in a Changing World, "Education on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Promotes Nursing Staff Confidence and Capabilities in a Family Planning Clinic," Neuman Systems Model Symposium, (June 25, 2021). – Virtual Podium Presentation

Davis, E., Bemis, C., Opsahl, A., Roush, K., Reiss, P., Reimer, N. Programs of Support for New Nursing Graduates’ Well-Being During Transition to Practice. Sigma Theta Tau: Creating Healthy Work 2021 Environments Conference. Poster presentation. February 18-20, 2021. Austin, Texas. virtual

Effects of a hybrid boot camp on prelicensure nursing student confidence and knowledge. Berg, A., Opsahl, A., Hughes-Gay, M., & Raber, H. Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Research Congress, Edinburgh, Scotland. July 21-25, 2022, in-person; August 3-5, 2022, virtual conference.

Bassett, K., Ramsey, R. “Nurse Leaders Need Self-Care Too: How to Avoid Leaving Yourself Out of Self-Care” Indiana Organization of Nurse Leaders. Regional Meeting. (May 13, 2021) – Virtual Presentation

Hodges, K.T., & Raber, H. Academic-Practice Collaboration: Crisis Licensure Midst a Pandemic Surge [Podium Presentation], Sigma Biennial Convention, Indianapolis, IN. 2021

Roush, K. & Opsahl, A. "An Effective Collaboration to Support Nursing Retention and a Positive Return on Investment with a Student Nurse Internship Program" [Podium presentation] in Tampa, Florida, at the 15th National Doctor of Nursing Practice Conference. August 3-5, 2022

Opsahl, A., Roush, K., Gay-Hughes, M., & Hines, M. Implementing Scripted Case Studies Post-Clinical: Supporting Clinical Reasoning and Judgment with an Academic-Practice Partnership as a podium presentation/concurrent session, National League for Nurses (NLN)

Nursing Education Research Conference March 31-April 1, 2023. Washington, D.C.

Hodges, K.T. Transition to Academia: Development of Practice Expert in Academic Environment [PechaKucha Presentation]. Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Research Congress, Edinburgh, Scotland. 2022

Roush, K., Opsahl, A., Gay-Hughes, M., & Hines, M. Implementing Scripted Case Studies Post-Clinical to Support Clinical Reasoning and Judgment through an Academic-Practice Partnership. 2nd Annual SNC Scholarship Day. Virtual presentation. January 5, 2022. Indianapolis, IN.

Opsahl, A., Embree, J., Howard, M., Davis-Ajami, M.L., Herrington, C., Wellman, D., & Hodges, K. (2021). Adapting Civility Education in an Academic-Practice Partnership, Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 52(12), 575-580. https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20211108-09

Constance Obichi.  Sustaining the National Healthcare System. Abstract + Virtual Presentation at the IUN Celebration of Faculty Research, Gary, Indiana. 3.19.2021

Ellis, R.J. & Ellis, K. Healthcare Finance and Budgeting for Interventions. Michigan State, DNP program, NUR 935: Advanced Practice Role Development III. 7.13.2021

Roush, K., Opsahl, A. (2021). An Interprofessional Approach to Impact Electronic Health Record Downtime Preparedness with Business Continuity Planning. 45^th Annual Research Conference Midwest Nursing Research Society. Poster presentation. March 24-27, 2021. Des Moines, Iowa. Virtual Poster Presentation.

Davis, S., Davis, E., Kivett, K., & Opsahl, A. (2022). Nurse Educator Perceptions of Workplace Collegiality. Nurse Educator, 47(5), 288-292. doi 10.1097/nne.0000000000001194 

Roush, K. (2021) Student Nurse Program Developed to Support Transition to Practice in Clinical Setting. Beyond Boundaries: An Indiana Academies Symposium. Poster presentation. April 9-10, 2021. Indianapolis, IN. Virtual Poster Presentation.

McCrea, K. A., Leathers, B. N., Heitman, L. C., Hawkins, E. K., Abbott, T. M., & Opsahl, A. (2021). Transitioning Professional Development Classes to Virtual Instruction. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 52(9), 404-406, https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20210804-04

Nolan, M. , Sharma, S., Weglicki, L., Brown, D., Bartlett Ellis, R.J. PhD Doctoral Nursing Education in the Post-COVID Era. Biennial Conference, 2021: Transcending Global Challenges in Doctoral Nursing Education. 11.5.2021

Newhouse, R.P., Ellis, R.J., Kent, K.A., Remick, J. Transforming Nursing Education Through Curricular Innovation. Essentials Implementation Webinar Series. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). 3.23.2022

Ellis, R.J. & Ellis, K. Healthcare Finance and Budgeting for Interventions. Michigan State, DNP program, NUR 935: Advanced Practice Role Development III. 7.13.2021

Wakefield, M. R., Whittington, M., Ashbaugh, C., Remy, L. M., Aholt, D., Miller, C., *Bartlett Ellis, R.J. & Russell, C. L. (2021, June). Value of a Personal Systems Approach in Improving Medication Adherence in Adult Kidney Transplant Patients: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of the MAGIC Randomized Clinical Trial. In American Journal of Transplantation. (Vol. 21, pp. 515-515).

Whittington, M. Goggin, K., Noel-MacDonnell, J., Hathaway, D., Remy, L., Aholt, D., Clark, D., Miller, C., Ashbaugh, C., Wakefield, M., Bartlett Ellis, R., & Russell, C.L. (2022). A cost-effectiveness analysis: Personal systems approach in improving medication adherence in adult kidney transplant patients. Journal of Healthcare Quality. 44(4). 240-252.DOI: 10.1097/JHQ.0000000000000327 [Data Based]

Bartlett Ellis, R.J., Wright, J., Soederberg Miller, L., Jake-Schoffman, D., Hekler, E. Goldstein, C., Arigo D., Nebeker, C. (2021). Lessons Learned: Beta-testing the Digital Health Checklist for Researchers (DHC-R) Prompts a Call to Action by Behavioral Scientists. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR). DOI: 10.2196/25414.

Bartlett Ellis, R.J., Ruggeri, S.Y., Ruppar, T.M., Russell Lippincott, C.L., Andrews, A., Remy, L., & Elomba, C.D. (2021). Managing Medications During the Early Phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Society of Medication Adherence (ESPACOMP) conference. 11.19.2021

Pajakowski, L., Geiselman, E., & Hendricks, S. (2021)  How does experience of faculty

educators shape their knowledge, skills,and attitudes about inter-professional practice and education? Professional Nurse Educators Group Conference. Mayo Clinic. Minneapolis, MN. (Virtual)

Pajakowski, L. & Liechty, T. (2021). Replacement of Traditional Clinical Experiences with

Virtual Simulated Clinical Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic. NurseTim NextGen NCLEX Conference. Orlando, FL ( Virtual).

Pajakowski, L. & LIechty, T. (2021). Replacement of Traditional Clinical Experiences with

Virtual Simulated Clinical Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic. IU Bicentennial Beyond Boundaries Conference. Indianapolis, IN (Virtual)

Andrew, A., Cheng, A., Ellis, R. B., Emerson, A., O’Brien, T., & Russell, C. L. (2021).  SystemCHANGE™ solutions to improve medication adherence in kidney transplant recipients: A secondary data analysis. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 48(4), 389-397. [Data Based].

Carpenter, J. S., Draucker, C. B., Ellis, R. J. B., Ferren, M. D., Gilbert, J. H., Newhouse, R. P., & Von Ah, D. (2021). A study of Indiana University Health's spirit of inquiry and innovation during COVID. Nursing Outlook. [Data-based]

Obichi, C.C., Dee, V. (2022) Acculturation, Cultural Beliefs, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Levels Among Nigerian, Ghanaian and Cameroonian Immigrants in the United States. Journal of Immigrant & Minority Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-021-01321-5

Constance Obichi. Experiences of Minority Frontline Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Virtual Presentation) Sigma Creating Healthy Work Environments Conference, February 16-17, 2023.  

Pajakowski, L. & Liechty, T. (2022). Student Perceptions and Outcomes after a Virtual

Simulated Clinical Experience. Midwest Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference. South Bend, IN

Pajakowski, L. & Liechty, T. (2021). Prebriefing and Debriefing for Active Learning

Midwest Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference. South Bend, IN

Opsahl, A., Embree, J., & Howard, M.  (2021).  Innovative opportunities for civility:  Professional development in a time of COVID-19. J Contin Educ Nurs. 52(1), 11-12. https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20201215-05

Obichi, C. C., Anieche, J. E., Osuala, E. O., & Oruche, U. M. (2021). The Role and Practice of Clinical Nurse Specialist in Nigeria. In Clinical Nurse Specialist Role and Practice (pp. 225-232), International Perspective. Springer, Cham.

Bassett, K.A. (Presenter), Hines, M. (Co-Presenter), Walker, C. (Co-Presenter), Grier, T. (Co-Presenter). 19th International Biennial Neuman Systems Model Symposium. “Incorporating Neuman Systems Model in BSN Education to Improve Wholistic Assessments as a Foundation for Integrative Care”

Utrecht, The Netherlands. (June 23, 2023) – Podium Presentation

Bassett, K. A. (Presenter), Rausch, J. (Co-Presenter). Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for EBP in Nursing and Healthcare Summit, "Increasing Confidence and Comfort in IPV Conversations," Ohio State, Hyatt Regency, Columbus, OH. (May 26, 2023). – Podium Presentation

Bassett, K.A. (Co-Presenter), Hines, M. (Presenter). “Cultural Humility.” Advancing Culturally Competent Care Through Practice, Research, and Education. Transcultural Nursing Society Symposium. (January 28, 2022). – Virtual Podium Presentation

Constance Obichi. Experiences of ‘Minority’ Frontline Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Abstract + Virtual Presentation at the IUN Celebration of Faculty Research, Gary, Indiana. 4.8.2022

Safe Sleep Education in Prenatal Clinical Environment: Current Practices, a Pilot Study. Bufink, E., Otte, J., & Ellis, R.B. [Poster presentation]. Central Indiana’s Organization for Clinical Nurse Specialists (CIOCNS) June business meeting, Indianapolis, Indiana. 6.8.2022

Ellis, R.J. Harm Prevention Partners©: An Innovative Academic-Practice Partnership for Clinical Experiences. Indiana University School of Nursing, Departments of Science of Nursing and Community Health. 9.23.2022

Remick, J., Siehl, M., & Ellis, R.J. Harm Prevention Partners Faculty Development Implementation Workshop. Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis. 12.6.2022, 12.9.2022, and 12.14.2022

Pajakowski, L., & Liechty, T. (2022). Replacement of traditional nursing clinical with a virtual

simulated clinical experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Studies in Nursing. 71(1). https://doi.org/10.20849/ijsn.v7i1.1000

Constance Obichi. Teaching Advocacy Skills to Promote Minority Healthcare Worker Wellbeing.

Abstract + Podium Presentation at Indiana Academy of the Social Sciences Annual Conference, Gary, Indiana. 10.7.2022

Bartlett Ellis, R.J., Goldstein, S., Oser, M., Nebeker, C. Training in Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSIs) of Digital Health: A Needs Assessment Among Researchers At All Levels.  Society of Behavioral Medicine. 4.28.2023

Zhang, K., Aggarwal, S., Bartlett Ellis, R.,J., & Jiang, X. An Accurate Deep Learning Based Automatic Pill Identify System. Workgroup on Interactive Systems in Healthcare (WISH) 2023. 4.28.2023

Kelter, R., Dunagan, K, Edwards, L., & Hodges, K.T. Human Skills: Strategies to Promote   Nurses’ Practice and Wellbeing [Podium Presentation], Association for Nursing Professional Development, Atlanta, GA. 2023

Sharon M. Jones. Invited Speaker at Indiana Association for Healthcare Quality (InAHQ) 43^rd Annual Education Conference (virtual), Development of Trust in the Nurse-Patient Relationship: Nurses are the Drivers, April 22, 2022

Jones, S.M. (2022). Taking the time: Developing trust with hospitalized patients. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice, 36(2), 139-155. doi: 10.1891/RTNP-2021-0024

Hodges, K.T., Dunagan, K, Edwards, L., & Miller, G. The Common Thread: Weaving Ethics Curriculum into RN Residency [Poster Presentation]. Association for Nursing Professional Development, Atlanta, GA. 2023

Lutgring, L., Takish, G., Thompson, K., Getz, E., Graham, P., & Opsahl, A. An Academic-Practice Partnership to Support the Measurement of Phlebitis Using Undergraduate Honors Students. 4th Global Summit on Nursing Education, Nursing Diversity 2023 Conference. March 6-8, 2023.

Kelter, R., Dunagan, K, Edwards, L., & Hodges, K.T. Cultivating Psychological Safety: Harvesting success for newly licensed nurses [Podium Presentation], Sigma Theta Tau International Creating Healthy Work Environments Virtual Conference. February 2023

McDaniel, J. C., Rausch, J. A., & McGowan, D. R. (2023). Monitoring and modifying recruitment and retention strategies for an ongoing randomized clinical trial with venous leg ulcer patients: Overcoming barriers to participation. International Wound Journal, 20(4), 1042-1052.

Ferren, M. D., Von Ah, D., Stolldorf, D. P., & Newhouse, R. P. (2022). Seeking to Understand: Qualitative Research on Sustainability of Evidence-Based Practice in Acute Care. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 52(3), 138-145.

Barnes, R., Remmick, J., Hughes-Gay, M., Opsahl, A., Townsend, C., Lash, R., and Bartlett Ellis, R. (2023). The AACN Essentials Journey. Journal of Professional Nursing, 46, 19-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.11.010

Dear Members,

June 20, 2023, marks the Annual Alpha Chapter Leadership Transition & Business Meeting. We appreciate those special Alpha Chapter members willing to give of their gifts and talents to support the Sigma mission and vision we support statewide. Please see the group photo on the main website page and a listing of all positions below. 

Sincerely, 

Angela Opsahl, Alpha Chapter President

Alpha Chapter Board Members

President:                                                         Angela Opsahl

President-Elect:                                               Tonja Padgett

Vice President:                                                   Kim Hodges

Secretary:                                                        Jamie Rausch

            Treasurer:                                                         Susan Plough

            Nurse Leader Counselor:                                Sharon Imes

Campus Counselor (IUB):                               Hanna Raber

Campus Counselor (IU Columbus):                 Karen East

Campus Counselor (IU East):                          Tina Pugh

Campus Counselor (IU Fort Wayne):              Kristin Basset

Campus Counselor (IUPUI):                            Michelle Washington & Asa Smith

Campus Counselor (IU Kokomo):                    Dea Kent

Campus Counselor (IU Northwest):                 Constance Obichi

Campus Counselor (IU Southeast):                  Rosalind Williams

Campus Counselor (IU South Bend):               Kristy Ludy

Awards Committee Chair:                               Kristen Mattox

Awards Committee Members:                        Amy Wonder & Sarah Herndon

Governance Committee Chair:                       Lori Pajakowski

Governance Committee Members:                  Mandi Smith & Matt Howard

            Leadership Succession Committee Chair:        Terry Doescher

Leadership Succession Committee Members:  Kelli Roush & Pearl Cuevas

Research Committee Chair:                             Kelly Wierenga

Research Committee Members:                        Sue Hendricks & Sharon Jones

Archivist:                                                            Erin Geiselman

Leadership Intern Coordinator:                      Bridget Whitmore

Administrative Support Staff:                          Laura Parker & Saundra Black

Dear Alpha Chapter Members,
Please read the information below related to Nursing Research & EBP Grant opportunities. Please reach out to Dr. Wierenga at kwiereng@iu.edu with any questions.
Best wishes, Dr. Angela Opsahl

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE PROJECT GRANT

Each year, Alpha Chapter awards monies recognizing a completed evidence-based practice project.

You are invited to submit an EBP project proposal packet to Alpha Chapter for consideration. Each application should include the following materials:

1. Application Form
2. Curriculum vitae 
3. Abstract (≤ 200 words)
4. Project Proposal

Application Deadlines are March 1st and October 1st

The application packet instructions and required forms are found here: Sigma Alpha EBP Grant Application-EBP_Grant_Alpha_Chapter_230522.docx
Please submit completed materials to Kelly Wierenga, Ph.D., RN, at kwiereng@iu.edu
. You may also contact Dr. Wierenga with any questions you may have. 

NURSING RESEARCH GRANT

The Alpha Chapter awards research grants for nursing research.  You are invited to submit a research proposal and application packet for consideration.  

Each application packet should include the following:

1. Application Form
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Abstract (< 200 words)
4. Project Proposal 
5. Budget Request

Application Deadlines are March 1st and October 1st

The application packet instructions and required forms can be found here: Sigma Alpha Research Grant Application Packet-Research_Grant_Application_Alpha_Chapter_230522.docx
Please submit completed materials to Kelly Wierenga, Ph.D., RN, at kwiereng@iu.edu. You may also contact Dr. Wierenga with any questions you may have.