Phi Gamma: Virtually Connecting and Collaborating to Catalyze Global Nurse Leadership Development

Sunday, 17 November 2019

Michael Joseph S. Diño, PhD, MAN, BSN, RN, LPT
Research Development and Innovation Center, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City, Philippines
Rita Munley Gallagher, PhD, RN
TGC, Washington, DC, USA
Jeanne Widener, PhD, RN, CNE
College of Health Professions Online, Western Governors University, Salt Lake, UT, USA

Introduction

Phi Gamma is Sigma Theta Tau International’s (Sigma’s) only virtual chapter. The primary goal of Phi Gamma Chapter is to advance the mission and vision of Sigma in making a difference worldwide through the creation of a virtual network of global nurse leaders. Phi Gamma Chapter was chartered and received its coat of arms on the 10th day of June 2010.

Call to Action

Phi Gamma Chapter member Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC was installed is the current president of Sigma. She is an Associate Professor and Regents’ Professor at the University of New Mexico College of Nursing in the USA. Each president presents a call to action to help guide members and chapters striving to fulfill Sigma’s mission. President Tigges calls on us to “connect, collaborate, and catalyze” to advance world health. Phi Gamma Chapter is working to answer President Tigges’ Call to Action through the creation of a virtual network of global nurse leaders.

Connect

Sigma’s vision is to be the global organization of choice for nursing. To do so, members must connect with colleagues working together to share the organization’s message, opportunities, and accomplishments. Nurses must make maximum use of cutting-edge technologies to virtually develop leadership competencies. Phi Gamma Chapter members and leaders are connected from all over the world.

Collaborate

To fulfill Sigma’s mission, nurses must be purposefully collaborative with both nursing colleagues and partners outside of nursing. In part, Phi Gamma’s success is attributable to collaboration with educational institutions like Our Lady of Fatima University; other organizations including the Philippine Nursing Research Society and to the support of other chapters including Omicron Delta at the University of Phoenix and those supported by Phi Gamma such as Psi Upsilon Chapter from Western Governors University.

Catalyze

Catalyze means to bring about, initiate, produce fundamental change, or transform. Phi Gamma Chapter officers and committee chairs utilize their skills to catalyze the development of nurse leaders around the globe through virtual individual mentoring campaigns, continuing education, and a physical presence in regional and international conferences.

Summary

Phi Gamma Virtual Chapter catalyzes member leadership development around the globe. The chapter connects members and leaders worldwide Phi Gamma’s success in answering the Presidential Call to Action is attributable, in part, to collaboration with educational institutions; other organizations; and, to other supporting chapters and those supported by Phi Gamma.