Pacific Lutheran University led off our season for student inductions on Feb. 26.   Dr. Carol Huston provided an inspiring talk on the benefits of Sigma membership for nurses in developing leadership skills. 

Congratulations to all new PLU members.  Students inducted were:  Kristie A., Kate, D., Juliet D., Cathy E., Lexie F. Kendra H., Madeline J. Madison J., Alicia J., Naomi J., Oredolapo K., Jenna K., Emily L., Emma L., Danielle M., Lindsay M., Lindsey M., Sam N., Franki P-T., Taylor P., Alexandra R., Graytson S., Cecily S., Emma T., Ashley W., Savannah W., Cassandra W., Jamie W., Matthew A., Avril B., Elly B., Elizabeth C., Deana D., Maggy F., Carly H., Alicia H., Katie L., Deborah L., Bonface M., Anna P., Caitlyn R., and Shukri S. Our chapter members warmly welcome you and are eager to help you all grow as nurse professionals.

As nursing students and new nurses, we dread encountering our first patient death. As veteran nurses, our first experience of a patient’s death can haunt us for years. In the high-stakes environment of an intensive care unit, the fight for life often feels unrelenting. But what happens when a patient chooses to stop fighting?

This deeply moving story takes you into the heart of one nurse’s experience with a young man facing an impossible choice: continue with a risky heart transplant or embrace the dignity of death on his own terms. Through her journey, we witness profound acts of compassion—from the ICU staff’s efforts to honor the patient’s decision to his final, selfless act of organ donation.

This thought-provoking article explores the meaning of dignity in healthcare, compassion in nursing, and the courage it takes to define both life and death. Read on to discover what it means to truly honor a life well-lived.

https://nursingcentered.sigmanursing.org/topics/inspirational/stories/view/why-didn-t-he-want-a-chance-to-live

Let’s be honest—keeping parents informed about their child’s digital habits is no small feat, especially when today’s teens seem to live on platforms you’ve barely heard of. Enter the Glossary of Digital Media Platforms—a game-changing tool from the AAP Center of Excellence that helps pediatric nurses educate parents on navigating the tricky terrain of social media and youth mental health.

This resource equips nurses to guide parents through crucial topics like privacy settings, limiting distractions, and fostering healthy screen habits. Whether it’s showing how to silence TikTok notifications at night or teaching families how to block negative content, the glossary provides actionable steps to protect kids online.

Parent education is a cornerstone of nursing care, and this tool helps nurses empower families to make informed decisions, ensuring safer, healthier online experiences for their children.

Want to elevate your practice? Dive into this article to learn more!

Virtual Reality: Transforming Palliative Care

Imagine escaping the burdens of pain and illness, even for a little while, to explore breathtaking landscapes or bask in radiant light. Virtual reality (VR) is doing just that for palliative care patients, helping them find moments of awe and peace amidst their struggles.

Through immersive experiences like Teri Yarbrow's "Radiance VR," patients can escape into serene, dreamlike worlds that reduce pain, anxiety, and depression. I was moved by stories of patients whose fear of dying eased and who found comfort through VR. It’s incredible how technology can offer a glimpse of joy and hope, even in the most challenging times.

As a nurse, I see the potential for VR to complement traditional care and empower patients to focus on living, not just surviving.

Curious to learn more? Dive into the full story to see how VR is reshaping palliative care: Read the article here.

Nominate a Rising Star in Nursing! 

Do you know a nurse whose passion, innovation, and leadership are paving the way for the future of healthcare? The Sigma Rising Stars in Nursing award honors emerging leaders who are making a significant impact in nursing. Nominate someone who is advancing the profession through their research, clinical practice, or community engagement.

These nurses demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the values of Sigma and the nursing profession, and this recognition can help elevate their work and influence in healthcare.

Nominate Now! Visit the link to submit your nomination and give the rising stars in nursing the recognition they deserve!
 Nomination details here

Let’s shine a spotlight on those who are shaping the future of healthcare!  #RisingStarsInNursing #NursingLeadership #SigmaNursing #NursingExcellence

Seattle Pacific University recently held their induction.  In order to celebrate those who could not attend the formal event, the university also celebrated these new nurse members with a meal out to build comradery and their connection to the chapter.  Please welcome Paul A., Jordan A, Rachel C., Hallie H., Grace H., Alicia J., Emma V. and Jackie W.

Congratulations to Olympic College New inductees.  Dr. Leigh Kalaman was their guest speaker. 

Tessa S,RN, BSN, MSN was inducted as a community leader.  New student inductees are Eleanor C., Emma, C., Megan D.  Kelsey F., Inga J., Shannon R., Nohelani U., Li W., and Patrick Y. all accepted the membership honor.

Congratulations also go to new inductees from University of WA Bothell (Mary Rose A-Pam,  Adna M., Elizabeth N., and Christen Y.)  and Seattle Pacific University (Paul A., Jordan A., Rachel C., Hallie H.,, Grace H., Alicia J., Emma V., and Jackie W.)

University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) had an uplifting induction celebrating the end of Nurses Week and their students on May 13th.

Dr.  Susan Johnson's keynote highlighted how nurses need to actively work to prevent nurse incivility (her lifelong research area) and continue to speak up for themselves and the profession.  

Congratulations to Amy G., Dimitri P, Anisa R., Lindsay S., Phung T., Lauren A., Melissa B,, Ivelisse B., Marcus D., Nirvana G., Miranda M., Lyndsie N., Rebecca N., Marlowe R., and Tehseen R.  All very deserving of the honor and with great potential in our profession!  

WE HOPE TO SEE THEM AND ALL NEW INDUCTEES FOR OUR MEET AND GREET - TONIGHT AT 7 PM.  

Every member is welcome.

The next Meet and Greet is June 5 at 7 pm.

Northwest University held induction April 29 with Julie Crews BSN, RN, IBCLC, a NU graduate, as their keynote speaker. Please welcome new inductees Shataya A., Tesfalidet B., Kathleen C., Katelyn C., Cecily H., Kelly J., Breanna K., Kendra O., Jocelyn R., Gina H., and April M. M.

The Annual Global Conference at Seattle Pacific University on April 13 was fun and inspirational.  All topics were very positively received and discussed by the 58 participants.  Ten people joined us online while the enthusiasm in the beautiful room at SPU was obvious.  Thanks to Dr. Robin Evans-Agnew for leading off the day with a fascinating talk on Planetary Health. Dr. Carrie Ann Matyac and Pacific Lutheran University BSN Student Sarah Bell Rosenlund discussed Experiential Learning in Oaxaca, Mexico, Olympic College BSN students (Tyrone Earnest, Maria Green, Inga Jordan, Rosemay Njuguma, and Li Wang) shared their assessment and work on a shower program in a foodbank, and Northwest Students discussed their cross cultural trips to Kenya and Greece (Kendra Opsata & Tes Beyene). The day closed with an impactful talk about the use of photovoice action research on what “a good life” means in Andean Equador by Dr. Jen Fricas.  Fascinating topics, great networking, and an overall, fun time! 

Please congratulate Psi -at-Large members who are stepping into or continuing leadership positions with our chapter.  

President elect for 2024-2025:  Beth Gill

Vice President for 2024-2026: Chris Tersigni

Governance Committee Chair:  Anne Poppe

Governance committee Member:  Tracy Holt

Leadership Succession:  Frances Chu & Carrie Ann Matyac

Transition and orientation to these roles will occur June 22 at the spring Board retreat.

We wish them a rewarding experience!