Developing Future Leaders: Mentoring Students to be Sigma Theta Tau International Rising Star Researchers

In support of Sigma Theta Tau International’s mission to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service, the Kappa Omicron chapter fostered and supported nine newly inducted baccalaureate nursing students as Rising Stars of Research and Scholarship. The students had demonstrated excellence in their undergraduate nursing research course and were invited to share their research proposals at the 43^rd Sigma Theta Tau International Biennial Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Under the guidance of the Kappa Omicron chapter president, the students developed their research proposals, submitted abstracts to Sigma Theta Tau International for consideration, and created professional posters on the topics of Water Births vs. Traditional Birth Infection Rates, Depression Among New Graduate Nurses Working in ICU and Medical-Surgical Units, and Exploring the Impact of Sister to Sister Surrogacy. The Kappa Omicron chapter also granted $200 scholarships to each student to help offset their travel expenses. Funds for these scholarships were raised through various chapter fundraising efforts and presented to the students during their induction ceremony. To express their appreciation for the guidance and support provided by the Kappa Omicron members, the students’ presented their research proposals at the induction ceremony. The nine students represented the largest cohort of students at the 2015 Biennium Conference.

By attending the conference and presenting the Rising Star posters, the students were able to share their ideas as novice researchers, interact with nurse leaders from around the globe, and envision their own paths as new members of Sigma Theta Tau International. After attending the opening ceremonies and noting that there was no flag to represent Russia, a student who grew up in Russia explored ways in which a Russian chapter could be launched. This poster will include information about how one local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, Kappa Omicron, supported nine nursing students and set them on a lifelong journey of nurse leadership, scholarship, and service. Attendees will be provided with information regarding the benefits of mentoring nursing students as Rising Stars and how other local chapters can support their own students in pursuing research opportunities.