Kettering College Nursing Students and Faculty Member Inducted into Nursing Honor Society
Thirteen Kettering College nursing students and one nursing faculty member were recently inducted into the Zeta Phi chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. Kettering College was approved to be added onto the local chapter, which also includes Wright State and Wittenburg University.
Thanks to the dedicated work of Associate Nursing Professor Marisa Blahovich, and the support of Dean of Nursing, Dr. Paula Reams, our nursing students and faculty can now be members of an honor society that is highly regarded nationwide. After being inducted over Zoom, the inaugural inductees attended a breakfast gathering to receive their white and purple cords to denote their prestigious membership.
Founded in 1922 by six nurses at Indiana University, the honor society was created to encourage the sharing of resources, knowledge, and the funding of nursing research—the first U.S. organization to do so. Their current mission remains to this day rooted in those founding principles.
“Developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere.”
-Sigma Theta Tau Mission Statement
Blahovich told inductees, “The founders of Sigma Theta Tau chose the Greek words meaning Love, Courage, and Honor, as they believed them to be the enduring values that are at the root of the nursing profession.”
To be considered for a Sigma nomination, students must have completed 50 % of their nursing classes, and be in the upper 35% of the class. Nursing leaders must have their BSN and have demonstrated nursing achievement in scholarship, leadership or service.
Being inducted is a special honor and an impressive accomplishment to add to students’ resumes as they graduate and look for work. It shows dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. Initiation into this distinguished global collaboration of nursing leaders is a promise to continue to share knowledge and offer continuous support to fellow nurses.
Kettering College’s newest members can look forward to networking events, educational resources, career advising, mentoring, and coaching as Sigma Theta Tau members. They can now benefit from over 16 discussion-based communities of interest and forums, workgroups for committees and task forces at the international level.
Sigma offers free and discounted nursing continuing professional development credits. Members can take several Continuing Professional Development courses for free, as well as courses at members-only discounts.
“Many members like to get started with the course called ‘Surviving Your First Year as a Nurse,’ which normally costs $169, but is free to Sigma members.
-Marisa Blahovich MS, RN, CHSE, KC Associate Professor EXT, Nursing
One hundred years ago, six women had the ingenuity to put their hearts and minds together to spearhead this innovative organization. Since its inception in 1922, Sigma has continued to grow and thrive, fostering upcoming and current nurses. We are so honored that some of our students and faculty are now carrying this torch to the next generation, as they learn, grow, and serve as nursing leaders globally and in their own communities.
About Kettering College
Kettering College is a fully accredited, coeducational college that specializes in health science education. A division of Kettering Health, the College is located on the Kettering Health Main campus in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio, and is chartered by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Kettering College offers an Occupational Therapy Doctoral program, a Master of Physician Assistant, Bachelor and Associate of Science degrees, and certificate programs.
