Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society

Phi Tau Chapter

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society

Sigma Theta Tau International Organizational Mission and Vision

The mission of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. The vision of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to create a global community of nurses who lead in using knowledge, scholarship, service and learning to improve the health of the world’s people (STTI webpage). The link to STTI is www.nursingsociety.org

HISTORY OF THE PHI TAU CHAPTER OF STTI

The concept of creating a professional nursing honor society, with the eventual goal of becoming a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, has been discussed by the faculty of the Division of Nursing at Thomas University since at least 2003. With the hiring of Dr. Susan Otto as Chair of the Division of Nursing in January 2006, discussions about the concept and the financial costs associated with initiating a professional honor society were begun with university administration and community supporters. In March 2012, The Phi Tau Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) was officially chartered with 84 members including six officers.

The Phi Tau Chapter of STTI at Thomas University serves to provide a mechanism for professional development, nursing education, and collaboration among the nurses located in rural southwest Georgia and North Florida. Since its inception, it has proven to be a strong and active organization of nursing students, graduates, and nurse leaders in the region.

To read the entire Phi Tau Chapter history click here:

Member Spotlight

Norman Pasley A former U.S. Army medic saw great potential in coming to Thomas University and became one of the first students to graduate with a dual degree.

Norman Pasley, director of patient flow in Nursing Operations at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in Tallahassee, Fla., said he lived in Tallahassee for 17 years after serving as a medic in the U.S. Army. A friend told him about Thomas University while he was researching universities to continue his education, and he chose to come to TU, obtaining a dual MSN and MBA degree.

“You are not just another name at Thomas University,” Pasley said. “I found the class work challenging and the professors helpful and willing to teach you how to integrate academic knowledge into your current working environment.”

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Pasley said he treated wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He took care of many soldiers injured in combat, most in their teens and early 20s while he was also in his early 20s. That was an experience that he will never forget, and it shaped his future choice of becoming a registered nurse.

Pasley said it was a platoon sergeant and Vietnam veteran who encouraged him to follow the path to become a license practical nurse (LPN). He had to choose between pursuing LPN training and pursuing combat-oriented jobs that would extend his combat medic training. The sergeant told Pasley that LPN training would give him greater options in life.

The ability to continue working while attending classes was a big plus for choosing Thomas University, Pasley said. He has always worked while attending classes, so the option to continue his education while continuing to work made Thomas University the right choice for him.

“As a working adult,” Pasley said, “it was important to attend a university that taught practical application of textbook knowledge into a real world environment. Thomas University provides a private education that is perfect for the working adult to obtain quality instruction in a practical environment.”

Classes at Thomas University were taught by top-notch professors, and Pasley said he was also able to attend classes with other licensed nurses. Professors and administrators were very encouraging and wanted to see him and other students succeed.

“It is great to receive education where professors teach their classes, you are held accountable for your academic work, and the leaders want you to be successful,” Pasley said. “Real world education, small class sizes and individual attention all lead to education that matters.”

Pasley said anyone who wants to be in a challenging but relaxed environment should attend Thomas University. Earning his dual degree helped to bridge the gap between financial and clinical knowledge. His writing, research and management skills have increased tremendously.

“The education I received at Thomas University has help me to move forward in my place of employment and improved my overall knowledge, marketability and understanding of national and international trends within the market place,” Pasley said. “The MSN/MBA programs have been pivotal in my career progression. The amount of knowledge and growth you will obtain is priceless.”