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Eta Pi Chapter, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Nursing, since 1984

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Nursing inducted its first members into the Nursing Honor Society in 1981,and in 1982 applied to join Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. The Eta Pi Chapter charter was granted in 1984, and the Charter Members were inducted on April 27, 1984.

The Eta Pi Chapter membership has grown from 40 Charter Members to 1550+ inducted members. We have members who live across the United States, and in India, Oman, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Founded in 1922, STTI has more than 130,000 active members in more than 85 countries. Members include practicing nurses, instructors, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and others.

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Keep in touch with us with by e-mail, Facebook and Twitter (see Contact Us link--Contact Eta Pi). We want to hear from you!

Welcome new Eta Pi Chapter Members!

New member photo from the 2015 Eta Pi Induction ceremony; 60 new members were inducted.  Welcome to all! 

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Message from the Eta Pi Chapter President: Dr. Bonnie Nickasch

Welcome to the Eta Pi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. I am thrilled to begin my two-year term as president of the Eta Pi Chapter.  As I reflect over the last several years, I begin to realize the impact that STTI has had on my career and the outstanding opportunities that lie ahead.

The Eta Pi Chapter has recently entered its 32nd year. Its distinguished membership includes more than 1,500 nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse researchers, and nurse faculty, all of whom are advancing health through nursing scholarship, service, practice, and research.  Our past president, Paula McNiel, led the organization for 6 years.  Under her leadership, Eta Pi welcomed numerous faculty members, nursing leaders, and students into the chapter.   This past April, Eta Pi inducted an additional 60 baccalaureate, masters, and nursing leaders into the chapter.

It is my hope to increase our membership numbers by not only continuing to focus on baccalaureate and master nursing students, but to also expand the focus to include more doctoral nursing students.  We will also continue to focus on increasing the number of nursing faculty and nursing leaders from our local community.

Lastly, I see opportunity in renewing the commitment of non-active members by increasing the opportunities made available to members post-graduation.  Moving forward, we are working to meet the challenge of STTI President Klopper’s call to action: “Serve locally, transform regionally, lead globally.”

The Eta Pi chapter is committed to its local community and displays this commitment through welcome back celebrations and healthy snacks for finals week for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh nursing students, faculty, and staff.   Additionally, we work with community groups to help in the community (such as food drives for local food pantries, and supplies for the Oshkosh Day By Day Warming Shelter in the winter months).

Regionally, Eta Pi chapter participates in a local school supply drive every fall for United Way of Oshkosh, and also organizes and supports an annual scholarship day where students can share their scholarly accomplishments.  It is my hope to expand the focus of this day to include other regional community organizations and Universities in the future.

Globally, STTI has had an influence on many countries that are dealing with poverty and inequality.   Eta Pi chapter places a strong commitment on this charge and has recently completed a donation drive to help support Haitian nursing students at Faculté des Sciences Infirmières de l'Université Episcopale d'Haïti in Léogâne (FSIL).  The chapter is also focused on increasing the induction of international members.  Currently, 153 of our members are international members (Australia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Oman, Thailand, and United Kingdom) which accounts for approximately 10% of our chapter membership.

I am excited to be a part of the many new and innovative ideas that my board has been discussing.  We have recently begun a new graduate nurse mentor program.  This initiative is an attempt to support the transition from student to practicing registered nurse to benefit our community, our region and our world.  Stay tuned to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

As our Eta Pi Membership counselor Jacki Karlin said: “This new venture will benefit not only the students as they transition to the workforce, but also creates an opportunity for experienced Eta Pi members/nurses to reflect on their own beginning experiences. It allows for a creation of community and collaboration between novice and expert nurses.”

Lastly, I’d like to invite nurses from Oshkosh and the surrounding communities to join our Board of Directors, our new inductees, and seasoned members as we tap into our creative leadership ideas and initiatives to advance global health for all.

Feel free to e-mail me with any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions related to Eta Pi.

Sincerely,

Bonnie

Bonnie Nickasch, DNP, APNP, FNP-BC