In line with the vision of Sigma Theta Tau International, Delta Zeta Chapter at Lehman College has been instrumental in helping to bring recognition to nursing as a science. Since the inception of this chapter in the Bronx since 1980, this chapter has created an environment that increase the scholarship of nurses. The first chapter president, Harriet Parness maintained the organization at its highest standards. She consistently upheld the organization mission through enrollment and increased scholarly nurses to continue the journey of ‘excellence’. The other presidents such as Theresa Lundy maintained the chapter’s mission by enforcing the same standards and served as president on two separate terms. In 2014, Wanda Williams Johnson became the 7th president who took charge by reinforcing the standards and by bringing the chapter to new heights in learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses who are committed to make a difference in health in the New York City with a major emphasis in the county of the Bronx.
Methods:
The new president of Delta Zeta, Wanda Johnson was able to give scholarships to nurse scholars who are actively involved in nursing research. In addition, there were health care conferences that generated funds to provide books, scholarships, research grants and conference attendance. The health care conferences that were provided included topics such as: Women’s Health Initiatives- American Heart Association Go Red for Women Safe Horizons- Put A Nail in It-Domestic Violence Awareness Program, Breast Cancer Awareness. Living Well with Sickle Cell Conference. The chapter provided relevant and informative topics that are health concern issues within the community that Delta Zeta served. As a result, some of the activities resulted in the increase of Delta Zeta Chapter membership. Such activities include the chapter’s anniversary luncheon. The chapter also created “The Telephone Tree” which is used to reactivate members. This idea was very creative and caused an immediate increase in membership. The chapters also donated books to toddlers in day care centers in the Bronx. Delta Zeta Chapter’s goal continued to include ending hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition as well as to promote sustainable agriculture. Delta Zeta Chapter sponsored a canned food drive that became a big success with the amount of donations that were provided and recognized by City Harvest. Worked closely with the Lehman College Food Pantry by volunteering time and financial contribution to eradicate hunger for a better and healthy community. The chapter also started to have inductions in two separate ceremonies. The Nurse Leader Induction Ceremony was separated from the annual induction in 2017 and is currently held during the month of February. The Undergraduate and Graduate Induction Ceremony continue to be held at the end of the semester year in May. By doing two separate ceremonies, it has created an environment that is uniquely geared to the audience being inducted. Both ceremonies are consistent to meet the guidelines and standards of Sigma Theta Tau International. In addition, the chapter continues to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. Thus, ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning. Further activities include Delta Zeta Chapter Veterans Initiative-at the Bronx VA Hospital. Delta Zeta Chapter has continued our advocacy efforts by addressing the health care needs of the community, tackling the changes occurring in health care and realizing the impact that such changes have on the nursing profession. As a result, Delta Zeta Chapter Members made visits to the District Office of Congressman Adriano Espaillat. Concerns regarding Immigration Reform and Affordable Care Act/American Health Care Act and the impact on the Nursing Profession were discussed with the Congressman. Membership Ambassadors from the Dominican Republic and Chapter President made the Congressional Visit. Congressman Espaillat is the 1st Dominican American elected to the Congress of the United States of America and 2017 recipient of the "Friend of Nursing Award " from Sigma Theta Tau International. There were also Membership Engagement activities that provided opportunities specific to: Reclamation- “Come Back to Sigma Day”-Jazz Luncheon in September 2016, Retention-and Reactivation Activity that involved Active Members, Inactive Members, Family and Friends- “Lobsterfest- Bus Outing to the Nordic Lodge-Rhode Island, Foxwoods Casino and Shopping at Tanger Outlets”-June 2017. Event was a day of enjoyment for all in attendance. 2018 Retention: - to increase involvement of Lehman College Faculty Delta Zeta Members, Annual Research Conference “Nursing 2020 and Beyond “organized. The purpose of this research day is to provide nurse educators, researchers, nursing students, and registered nurses a networking opportunity and explore current research findings, evidence-based practice research projects and quality-based improvement projects through oral and poster presentations. Bus Outing to SIGMA Conference Washington DC and African American Museum- -opportunity for Delta Zeta and other SIGMA members to travel together to Washington D.C. Another Membership Engagement activity planned is the 2018 Delta Zeta Chapter Cruise to Bermuda-.
Outcome
The chapter leadership has successfully developed new programs to provide services and to promote membership engagement through educational programs, research partnerships, mentoring, networking opportunities, and scholarship and monetary awards to support undergraduates, new graduates and for those members who are pursuing to advance their education. As a result of these programs, the chapter has been able to reactivate members, retain membership and also able to recruit new members. Delta Zeta Chapter has 345 active members. Chapter received Showcase of Regional Excellence Awards for 2014-2015 and 2015-2017. After 37 years Delta Zeta Chapter also received its 1st Chapter Key Award in 2017. The chapter leadership and program organizers have also received positive and encouraging feedback to continue current programs and will continue to develop other programs or services at the chapter level as suggested and recommended by its members. Delta Zeta Chapter embraced Dr. Cathy Catrambone’s Presidential Call to Action 2015-2017 “Influence to Advance Global Health and Nursing.” Delta Zeta Chapter has planned membership engagement activities to embrace Dr. Beth Tigges’ Presidential Call to Action to “Connect, Collaborate, and Catalyze in 2017-2019”.
Key words: Scholarships, Collaboration, Membership