SPECIAL SESSION: Virtual Professional Collaboration of Global Nurse Leaders: The Phi Gamma Virtual Chapter Experience

The purpose of this presentation is to discuss and demonstrate the value of social and electronic media in promoting professional collaboration among a global network of nurse leaders and to share successful electronic strategies utilized in the day-to-day operations of Phi Gamma Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International's only virtual chapter. The primary goal of Phi Gamma Chapter is to advance the mission and vision of Sigma Theta Tau International in making a difference worldwide through the creation of a global community of nurses.

Phi Gamma places importance on recruiting and engaging Registered Nurse leader members from all over the world. Chapter leaders will discuss and demonstrate the use of social and electronic media in outreach and the promotion of member engagement. Attendees will be introduced, virtually, to Phi Gamma Chapter leaders who also come from across the globe. The qualifications and process leading to consideration for membership will be identified.

Attendees will be provided with information on the electronic processing of candidates in preparation for the virtual induction of new members. Phi Gamma Chapter's activities and opportunities for members will be detailed. The opportunities to become involved in Phi Gamma Chapter and in Sigma Theta Tau International, to grow and develop as leaders, and to contribute to the nursing profession are virtually endless. Phi Gamma Chapter is engaged in a host of activities. The Chapter holds quarterly electronic Inductions on the 10th of September, December, March and June. Educational webinars, some of which offer continuing education credit, are held regularly. Included among them this biennium was an electronic international poster session. Phi Gamma Chapter engages in global outreach to prospective members. Presentations have been made to nurses in Egypt and the Philippines.

Phi Gamma Chapter is involved in a series of collaborations designed to enhance the endeavors of involved organizations through the mutual sharing of resources. The chapter offers expedited review for consideration for chapter membership to nurse leaders in the Individual Member Division of the American Nurses Association. Phi Gamma provides cooperative educational webinars with continuing education credit offered by Omicron Delta Chapter from the University of Phoenix. Phi Gamma Chapter has developed a Memorandum of Understanding for research collaboration and conference activities with the Research, Development and Innovation Center of Our Lady of Fatima University in the Philippines.

In 2013, during the 42nd Sigma Theta Tau International biennial convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, Phi Gamma Chapter received the Chapter Global Community Building Award. This award recognized Phi Gamma Chapters for having excelled in fostering a virtual global community of nurses using learning, knowledge and professional development to improve the health of the world’s people.

In closing, the GoToWebinar platform will be utilized to engage chapter members from around the globe in discussion.