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Top Photo: Spring 2023 Alpha Chapter Induction

Bottom Photo:  June 2023 Annual Alpha Chapter Leadership Transition and Business Meeting (Sigma Headquarters)

A message from the Alpha Chapter President 

Dear Alpha Chapter Members,

I am honored to serve as your Alpha Chapter President (2022-2024). The Alpha Chapter Board is comprised of a talented group of accomplished professionals from academic and clinical practice settings. Dr. Kim Hodges from the IUPUI campus will continue as our Vice President to oversee the planning of our programs and induction. Dr. Tonja Padgett from the IUPUI campus is the new President-Elect, Jamie Rausch from IU Fort Wayne is the new Secretary, and Dr. Susi Plough from the IU Kokomo campus is our new Treasurer. We are fortunate to have nine campus counselors and a nurse leader counselor who are dedicated to recruiting and welcoming new members to our chapter. The Alpha Chapter Board met in person at Sigma Headquarters for the Annual Leadership Transition and Business Meeting on June 20, 2023, to discuss our strategic plan and actualize goals for the coming year. Our goals are connected to Sigma President Ken Dion's exciting Call to Action, Be Bold. Member retention and engagement, educational offerings, and grant support remain important goals for our chapter. Please let us know how we can best serve you!

Alpha Chapter Counselors (with email information & campus) are:


Obichi, Chidiebele

ccobichi@iu.edu

Northwest

Raber, Hanna

hraber@indiana.edu

Bloomington

East, Karen

kleast@iupuc.edu

Columbus

Pugh, Tina

tinpugh@iue.edu

East

Bassett, Kristin

kdaub@iu.edu

Fort Wayne

Washington, Michelle

michwash@iu.edu

Indianapolis

 Smith, Asa

asasmit@iu.edu

Indianapolis

Kent, Dea

djkent@iuk.edu

Kokomo

Williams, Rosalind

willrosa@ius.edu

Southeast

Ludy, Kristy

kludy@iu.edu

South Bend

Imes, Sharon

simes@iusb.edu

Nurse Leader Counselor

Have you considered being a chapter leader? We have several committees from which you can choose to begin your journey as a chapter leader. Please contact us if you think chapter leadership is in your future and you would like to serve as a member of one of our committees listed below.

Alpha Chapter Committee Chairs: 

Mattox, Kristen

Awards Committee Chair

mattoxk@iu.edu

Pajakowski, Lori

Governance Committee Chair

lojcox@iusb.edu

Doescher, Terry

Leadership Succession Committee Chair

doescher@iu.edu

Wierenga, Kelly

Research Committee Chair

kwiereng@iu.edu

We also want to know your thoughts about membership, future plans, educational needs, etc. The chapter leadership is here to serve our members, and we want all Alpha Chapter members to have a great experience. Please help us by sharing your thoughts. My email is agopsahl@iu.edu.

Meetings are on the fourth Monday of the month from 4:00-6:00 pm EST. If you are interested in attending a meeting, don't hesitate to get in touch with me, and I will forward you the phone number and conference Zoom link.

A special thank you to all members. We appreciate you! I look forward to serving you throughout my tenure as your Alpha Chapter President.

Angela G. Opsahl, DNP, RN, CPHQ 
Sigma, Alpha Chapter President
Assistant Dean & Associate Professor
Indiana University School of Nursing, Bloomington
agopsahl@iu.edu

 

Alpha Chapter is affiliated with Indiana University School of Nursing and has a proud history as the founding chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Alpha Chapter and Indiana University School of Nursing, 600 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN, 46202

 


Discussions

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Chapter Events

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Chapter News

  • Sigma Theta Tau International Biennium in San Antonio, Texas

    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 15th 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

  • Alpha Chapter-October Food Drive!

    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

  • Founder's Day Educational Event & October Canned Food Drive!

    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

  • IU School of Nursing Health Policy Conference September 15, 2023

    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)

  • Celebrating Alpha Chapter Member Presentations & Publications 2021-2023!

    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. 45th 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

    Sharon M. Jones (PI) & Kristy Ludy Podium Presentation at Nursing Education Research Conference [NERC], National League of Nursing [NLN], Washington, DC.  BSN Perceptions of Changes to Clinical Rotation Timing and the Impact on Student Learning: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. April 1, 2023.

    Sharon M. Jones (PI) & Kristy Ludy Poster Presentation at Indiana League for Nursing 2022 Fall Event (virtual). BSN Student and Instructor Perceptions of Changes to Clinical Group Size and Timing and the Impact on Student Learning. November 2, 2022.

    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 (PI) & Kristy Ludy. Podium Presentation at 22nd Annual Midwest SoTL [Scholarship of Teaching and Learning] Conference, IU South Bend. South Bend, IN. Changes to the Clinical Experience: Impact on Student Learning. April 1, 2022.

    Sharon M. Jones (PI) & Kristy Ludy. Poster Presentation at Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) 2022 Annual Research Conference: Innovating Solutions: Re-imagining Nursing Research and Scholarship, Schaumburg, IL. BSN Student and Instructor Perceptions of Changes to Clinical Group Size and Timing and the Impact on Student Learning. March 31, 2022.

    Sharon M. Jones. Invited Speaker at Indiana Association for Healthcare Quality (InAHQ) 43rd 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 Journal20(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 Administration52(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

  • Annual Alpha Chapter Leadership Transition & Business Meeting

    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

  • Nursing Research & EBP Grant Opportunities! Next Deadline for Applications-October 1st

    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. 

     

  • Inaugural Alpha Chapter Newsletter & April Service Invite

    Dear Alpha Chapter Members,
    Welcome to our inaugural newsletter posted under Discussions.  As you review our new biannual communication, we have valuable information and several events to consider. Membership to Sigma provides valuable resources throughout your career with exceptional benefits. Please renew your membership today. Additionally, we would like our members to participate in community service during April. Please share your time of community service with us as we look to measure our impact. Members are invited to volunteer at food drives, clothing drives, community environmental clean-up, recycling drives, health screenings, and support policy work for the needs of our community. Send images to agopsahl@iu.edu and tell us about your impact.

    Sincerely,

    Angela Opsahl, Alpha Chapter President

  • October Food Drive

    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 2,170 items were collected throughout the state with IU Kokomo winning the campus challenge. 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

  • Nursing Research & EBP Grants

    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 v2023-Sigma_Alpha_EBP_Grant_Application_v2022.doc
    Please submit completed materials to Kelly Wierenga PhD, 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 v2023-Sigma_Alpha_Research_Grant_Application_Packet_v2022.doc
    Please submit completed materials to Kelly Wierenga PhD, RN at kwiereng@iu.edu You may also contact Dr. Wierenga with any questions you may have. 

  • Accepting Award Nominations and Scholarship Applications!

    ALPHA CHAPTER MEMBER AWARDS

    Sigma Theta Tau, Alpha Chapter, wishes to recognize members who are outstanding in the areas of:

    1. Education
    2. Leadership
    3. Nursing Practice
    4. Research
    5. Mentoring

    We invite you to recommend an Alpha Chapter member to be considered in one of these five areas of excellence.

    Each nomination should include:

    1. A minimum of two letters of support
    2. Nomination Form
    3. Curriculum Vitae

    A self-nomination is acceptable but will additionally require a letter of self-nomination and two letters of endorsement. The nomination form and criteria for the curriculum vitae can be found under chapter documents or visit Alpha Chapter Award Nomination

    The Deadline is March 15, 2023

    If you have any questions, please contact the Alpha Chapter President, Angela Opsahl at agopsahl@iu.edu 

    STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP


    All students being inducted are eligible for a $300.00 award. The award will be presented during the induction ceremony. If you receive a scholarship, you will be expected to participate in Sigma Theta Tau through a volunteer activity or leadership-mentor role.

    In order to be considered for this scholarship, the scholarship committee would appreciate learning more about your accomplishments. More information about the application can be found here:  Student Scholarship Application

    The Application Deadline is March 15, 2023

    Please electronically submit scholarship applications to Alpha Chapter President, Angela Opsahl at agopsahl@iu.edu 

    CLINICAL SCHOLARSHIP

    The Alpha Chapter is very excited to announce that we have a $1,000 award available to our nurses who give hands-on patient care. This award recognizes that improved nursing interventions and clinical therapeutics are direct effects of nursing knowledge. We appreciate that you are the core of the nursing profession! 

    If you want to expand your professional development or enhance your nursing career, apply for this award. This scholarship can give you the boost you need to continue your nursing contributions. The award can be used towards a conference, seminar, or other educational materials. 

    An advanced degree is not required for this scholarship. More information can be found here: Clinical Scholarship Application


    The Application Deadline is March 15, 2023

    If you have any questions, please contact Chair of the Alpha Chapter President, Angela Opsahl at agopsahl@iu.edu 

  • Alpha Chapter receives the Showcase of Regional Excellence Award!

    Alpha Chapter is excited to announce that we have received the Showcase of Regional Excellence Award, demonstrating a commitment by Alpha Chapter to Sigma President Riccardi's Infusing Joy Call to Action. Please see the attached award letter for more information.

    Showcase of Regional Excellence Award
  • 2020-2021 Member Presentations

    Mentoring to Support Ethnic Minority and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Nursing Students’ Well-being and Future Clinical Practice. Opsahl, A. & Townsend, C. Sigma Theta Tau: Creating Healthy Work 2021 Environments Conference, Austin, Texas February 19-20, 2021 (Virtual Presentation)

    Programs of Support for New Nursing Graduates’ Well-being in the Transition to Practice. Davis, E., Roush, K., Reiss, P., Opsahl, A., & Reimer, N. Sigma Theta Tau: Creating Healthy Work 2021 Environments Conference, Austin, Texas February 19-20, 2021 (Virtual Presentation)

    Howell, J. (2020, May). A Systematic Review of Evidence Based Strategies to Address Nursing Burnout Through the Lens of the Roy Adaptation Model. Poster presentation presented virtually at the Sigma Theta Tau International 5th Biennial European Conference in Coimbra, Portugal.

    Young, J. (2020). Designing a Hybrid Course to Prepare Nurse Leaders for the Dynamic American Healthcare Setting. Virtual SIGMA 31st Nursing Research Congress. Originally situated in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. July.

    Howell, J. (2021, June). A Systematic Review of Evidence Based Strategies to Address Nursing Burnout Through the Lens of the Roy Adaptation Model. Virtual poster presentation at the Roy Adaptation Association Annual Conference in Los Angeles, California.

    Erin Geiselman. Is Resilience a Bad Word? Indiana Association for Healthcare Quality Annual Conference (Virtual) IN, United States April 2021.

    Tamara Ledbetter, Mary Bourke, Carolyn Townsend, Erin Geiselman, Kathleen Klute, Leigh Swartzendruber, Lenora Maze. Understanding Incivility in Nursing Education Pre & Post Covid-192020 Indiana Nursing Summit (Virtual) IN, United States November 9, 2020.

    Moorman, M., *Young, J. (2020). Steps in Hybrid Course Design: From Theory to Integration. NLN Education Summit, Orlando, Florida. September.

    Chang, P., Lu, Y., Ofner, S., Nguyen, C.M. (2020, Nov) Qigong exercise on frailty, psychological health, and spiritual well-being of middle-aged and older blacks (Poster). The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) 11/4-7, 2020 (Virtual)

    Mattingly, J. (2020). Serving the Underserved: Teaching Nursing Students Through Community Health Promotion. Lecture presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research, San Antonio, TX.

    Howell, J. (2021, March). A Systematic Review of Evidence Based Strategies to Address Nursing Burnout Through the Lens of the Roy Adaptation Model. Poster presentation presented virtually at the Indiana University Bicentennial “Beyond Boundaries” Academic Symposium.

    Undergraduate Nursing Honors Research to Support Virtual Community Professional Development. McCrea, K., Leathers, B., Heitman, L., Hawkins, E., Abbott, T., & Opsahl, A. Indiana University Bicentennial sponsored conference, Beyond Boundaries: Indiana Academies Symposium, Indianapolis, IN. April 9-10, 2021

    Introduction to Healthcare Quality. Opsahl, A. Townsend, C., & Geisleman, E. Indiana Association for Healthcare Quality (INAHQ). Virtual Statewide Education Event, April 10-11, 2021.

    Title: The application of Qigong exercise in frailty improvement: Meta analysis (Oral presentation) IU bicentennial Conference 4/9-10, 2021 (virtual) Author: Pei-Shiun Chang, Tish Knobf, Byeong Oh, Christina Tocchi, and Marge Funk

    Sanko, J., Gattamorta, K., Young, J., Durham, C., Sherwood, G., & Dolansky, M. (2020). A Multi-institution Collaboration to Study the Impacts of Friday Night at the ER, a Table-Top Simulation on Systems Thinking and Learning. Simulation in Healthcare; International Meeting for Simulation and Healthcare, San Diego, CA, January 19, 2020.

    An innovation in clinical education to support cultural competence, patient-centered care, and quality outcomes. Opsahl, A., Hughes-Gay, M., Poe, C., Gindling, S. & Hagedorn Wonder, A. International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning

    Denver, CO. June 16 – 19, 2021

    Pajakowski, L. & Liechty, T. Replacement of Traditional Clinical Experiences with Virtual Clinical Experiences. Poster Presentation. NurseTim NextGen Nursing. February 18-20, 2021

    Pajakowski, L. & Liechty, T. Prebriefing and Debriefing to Enhance Active Learning. Conference Presentation – Quick Hits. Midwest SoTL 2021 Conference. April 9, 2021.

    Pajakowski, L. & Liechty, T. Replacement of Traditional Clinical Experiences with Virtual Clinical Experiences. Poster Presentation. IU Bicentennial Conference, April 9, 2021



  • 2019-2020 Member Presentations

    Mattingly, J. (2019). Joy of Teaching: Service Learning. Workshop facilitator for IUS ILTE Joy of Teaching Series, New Albany, IN.

    Mattingly, J. (2019). Teaching Strategies that Increase Purpose, Belonging, and Skills. Workshop panelist, ILTE Mini-Conference, New Albany, IN.

    The Impact of Evidence-Based Practice & Nursing Research for Organizational Outcomes. Opsahl, A. Indiana Association for Healthcare Quality (INAHQ). Annual Conference. Carmel, IN. April, 2019.

    Opsahl, A. & Hagedorn Wonder, A. Mock Hospital Ethics Committee: Teaching the Application of Ethics and Evidence-based Practice with an Interprofessional Simulation. NLN Education Summit. September 26-28, 2019. Poster presentation. Washington, DC.

    Opsahl, A. Understanding Barriers with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Engaging New Mothers and Staff Nurses. 8th International Colloquium on Advances in Nursing Science. Rome, Italy. October 10-12, 2019. Podium presentation. Mary Bourke, Erin Geiselman, Carolyn Townsend. The IU Kokomo Master of Science in Nursing Program’s Articulation of Effectiveness through Curriculum & Instruction: 20/20 on Teaching, Learning and Research Pecha Kucha Style Kokomo December 6, 2019.

    Young, J. Development of a Hybrid Course for Second-degree (Accelerated) Nursing Students to Facilitate Clinical Leadership Competency with Client Care Delivery. Scholars Teaching for Student Success. What Works? What’s Next? October 4, 2019. Indiana University. Indianapolis, IN.

    Young, J., Daulton, B., & Griffin, C. (2019). Using an Unfolding Case Study and Interprofessional Team Approach to Achieve a Culturally Competent, Person-Centered Care Learning Activity. NLN Education Summit, Washington, DC. September.

    Mattingly, J. (2019). Population Health: The Lakota of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Presentation at the IUS Faculty Research & Creativity Day, New Albany, IN

    Pedigo, E., Eble, M., Bell, N., Hunsinger, A., Martlage, B., Opsahl, A., & Hensel, D. Perceptions and Understanding of Antibiotic Use with Caregivers of School-Age Children. Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Research Conference. Calgary, Canada. July 25, 2019. Podium presentation.
  • Spring 2021 Virtual Induction and Keynote Address

    Alpha Chapter is excited to welcome our newest inductees! Follow this link to the virtual induction ceremony which was held on April 16, 2021. In addition to the induction ceremony, we awarded scholarships to 12 new inductees, an excellence in research award to a chapter member, and heard an inspiring keynote address from Past President Dr. Susan Hendricks.
  • OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Scholarship Application & Award Nomination

    Alpha Chapter,

    The time is just around the corner to recognize members with Alpha Chapter Awards and Scholarships!!!

    The following Scholarships & Awards are available:

    $1000 Clinical Scholarship Award for nurses providing hands-on patient care during this pandemic.

    $300 Student Scholarships for all eligible student inductees.

    Nominate outstanding members who have demonstrated exceptional qualities in Education, Leadership, Nursing Practice, Research, and Mentoring for other awards.

    DEADLINE: MARCH 1ST 2021

    For more information, please visit Awards/Scholarships
  • Alpha Chapter Virtual Induction

    Hi Alpha Chapter, 

    Alpha Chapter hosted a virtual induction on Friday, April 17, 2020. Please view the virtual induction video to celebrate all of our new inductees and award recipients. Congratulations to all!

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