  
Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing
Kansas Association of Nursing Students (KANS)
Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF)
Graduate Student Nurses' Organization (GSNO)
Invitation to membership in Sigma Theta Tau International, the honor society of nursing, is extended to eligible PSU nursing students in the spring semester. Sigma Theta Tau International has a membership of over 120,000 in 90 countries with chapters in 523 colleges and universities including PSU’s own Gamma Upsilon Chapter. Membership criteria for Undergraduate Nurse Students includes: ranking in the upper 35th percentile of the graduating class, having at least a GPA of 3.0, having completed at least half of the nursing curriculum, and having met the expectation of academic integrity. Registered Nurse Students completing a baccalaureate degree are eligible for invitation to Sigma Theta Tau if they meet the following criteria: rank in the upper 35th percentile of the graduating class, have at least a 3.0 GPA, have completed 12 credit hours at the current school, have completed half of the nursing curriculum, and meet the expectation of academic integrity. Graduate Nurse Students (Master’s) are eligible for invitation to Sigma Theta Tau if they: have at least a GPA of 3.5 with completion of at least one fourth of the nursing curriculum and meet the expectation of academic integrity. RN’s holding a current license and a baccalaureate degree in nursing or other field who have demonstrated achievement in nursing may also be eligible candidates under the category of Nurse Leaders.
The organization’s faculty counselors forward names of students who meet membership criteria to the Eligibility Committee and the Chapter Board of Directors. Students desiring to be considered for membership and meeting eligibility requirements are to complete the Authorization to Review Student’s Records Form and bring the signed form to the nursing department office. Members of the chapter then recommend candidates for membership. Each candidate then assumes responsibility for completing the required online application forms and fees. Induction of new members is held in the spring semester. Further information about the organization and its benefits is available from PSU Nursing Department faculty and at www.nursingsociety.org
Patterned after the American Nurses' Association, the professional organization for nurses, KANS is the nursing student organization. Students are encouraged not only to belong to their organization through payment of dues, but to take an active part in local, state and national activities.
The Pittsburg State University of KANS holds monthly meetings. At the state level an annual convention is held for all members of the state organization. The National Student Nurses' Association holds an annual convention. Dues are paid annually and entitle the student to participate in all three levels of activities. KANS provides many opportunities for its members to effect change in professional nursing at the local, state and national levels.
Call 620-235-4431 to ask about KANS meeting dates and times. All meetings are at noon in the Skills Lab (Room 132) of the McPherson Nurse Education Building. Lunch is available for a small fee.
A part of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Nurses Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational organization that encourages nurses and nursing students to consider the total patient/client in their nursing practice. The national director, Mary Thompson, and Kansas staff director, Ruth Snapp, work with local chapter facilitators to plan activities. At Pittsburg State University, the chapter currently meets twice a month. Meeting dates are set at the organizational meeting held at the beginning of each semester, and are coordinated so they do not conflict with KANS meetings or other scheduled activities.
Chapter meetings are planned to include Bible studies, discussions, or guest speakers that focus on assessing patient's/client's spiritual needs, planning and implementing care that meets those needs, and evaluating the outcomes. Members share experiences and fellowship over lunch at most meetings. There are also state and national conferences offered annually. There are no dues. Members may subscribe to the Journal of Christian Nursing if they wish.
Contact chapter sponsors Ruthellyn Hinton, Barbara McClaskey, or Janis Schiefelbein for more information.
Call 620-235-4431 to ask about NCF meeting dates and times. All meetings are at noon in the Skills Lab (Room 132) of the McPherson Nurse Education Building. Lunch is available.
The Graduate Student Nurses' Organization was founded:
- to foster graduate education
- to assist the student in the development of the whole person, and his/her professional role
- to promote and encourage participation in interdisciplinary activities
- to provide educational programs for nurses and the community
- to collaborate with other health care professionals, institutions and the consumer to improve understanding of wellness
- to serve as advocate to the community and to the families for health promotion, and
- to promote understanding of the role of the Advanced Practice Nurse.
All students admitted to the graduate nursing program at Pittsburg State University are members of the Graduate Student Nurses' Organization. There are no membership dues. All active members shall be able to hold office and vote. There are at least two meetings per academic year. |
