Region 1 has a limited number of Biennial Presenter Grants available for those presenting at the 48th Biennial Convention. 

Eligibility:

• Must be a current Sigma Region 1 chapter member
• No prior grant received in 2025 from Region 1.
• Not open to delegates receiving chapter funding.
• The presenter must request the grant personally.

If interested, please send an email to both of the following addresses: lvanauker@health.ucdavis.edu (Regional Coordinator) and hkim@samuelmerritt.edu (Regional Treasurer) with "Biennial Presenter Grant" in the subject line and the following information in the text:

1. Title of presentation
2. Chapter membership
3. Your name, address (to receive check), and phone number
4. Checks will be distributed first-come, first-served for the first 15 requests.
5. Checks will be sent the month following the Biennial (or sooner).

Congratulations on the acceptance of your scholarly work! Laura Van Auker, Region 1 Coordinator, encourages you to come say hi at the Region 1 table.

Greetings! Please review the Fall 2025 Psi at-Large Newsletter, containing highlights about chapter happenings and member benefits, including:

• Highlights from the Sigma International Research Conference in Seattle.
• Information about the upcoming 46th Biennial Convention and an opportunity to Share Your Input and provide feedback to your chapter delegates on proposed changes to Sigma's bylaws and resolutions, as well as voting on candidates for the slate of international offices.
• Links to sign up for the upcoming Psi at-Large Research Summit on November 15.
• Awards and recognitions of Psi at-Large Members (please send your accomplishments to be included in our next edition).

Many thanks to Anne Mulligan, Past-President and Newsletter Chair, for her work on this edition!

I hope to see many of you at the upcoming Research Summit!

Beth Gill

President, Psi at-Large Chapter

Three large inductions were held the end of May.  On May 22 University of Washington Tacoma held their induction, with students families and friends in attendance. Top picture is three new RN-BSN graduates.  Please welcome these new members to our group!
Anurita B, Nellie H, Devan S., Mandy A., Silas E, Kimberly J, and Maegan J,Oluwakemi O, and
Katie R.

University of Washington Seattle held a virtual induction on May 28 at noon. Twenty three students were celebrated following a warm welcome by Dean Hilaire J.
Thompson PhD, RN ARNP FAAN.  Please welcome:

Rebecca E. Micah F. Jemima G. Latisha H. Lucy H. Yufei H. Jun H. Hae-Jin K. Nathanael K. Harison L. Nicholas L. Eva L. Raina Faith M. Andronicus M. Katherine M. Alexandra M. Fiza No. Meshack O. Alicia S. Aymee S. Nicole S. Alisha T. Claire U.  Sorry, there is no picture because it was virtual.

University of Washington Bothell had a joyful and meaningful induction on May 29th. Dean Vanessa Lopez-Littleton gave a warm welcome and Dr. Renee Rassilyer- Bomers, CNO at Providence Swedish North Division, shared her heartfelt story in nursing and welcomed the newly invited members, offering a sense of hope for the future. Please welcome baccalaureate nurses (BSN) Natsinet A. , Maria A., Stacy b., Ana C., Feven G.,Deanna H., Ponsawan J., Khadija K., Chreistopher K., Lidya L., Alissa L., Mamusu M., Natsinet N., Zebib N., AdamarisO., George O., Jaylen O., Emiliy S., Rochelle S., Kristin S-R., Elisa T., Polin V., & Aaron W. 

Master of Nursing students include Froskhan A., Camille C., Melissa H., Mariah W., Anna W., JessikaB., Kelsey H., Melanie J., Liz L., Li-Fang H., Lisa H, Jack J., Hannah P., Chelsea P., Ana P., and Christen Y.

Second picture is the end of ceremony for UW Bothell new members.

Olympic College held new member induction on May 13 with a keynote speech by last year's inductee, Inga Jordan.  Inga encouraged students to consider Sigma's core value of love and apply it to research in nursing.    Please welcome David C., Amger D., Maria G., Alexis G., Leeza K., Mackenzee L, Shannon M. Nicole P, Desirae S., and Lillian S.  Nurse Leader Vicki D. was also inducted.

Our chapter voting is done for now.  First I want to thank officers who will roll off:  Leigh Kalaman (secretary), Pam George (treasurer) and Dan Kline ( Leadership Succession Committee) .  You learn a lot in volunteer positions and meet people who are very dedicated to volunteering.  Thank you.

The new officers will officially take over after our June 21 end of year retreat.  

Secretary = Devon Woodley

Treasurer = Brenda Kinyumu

LSC member = Megan Bland

The Buntain School of Nursing at Northwest University held induction on Monday, May 5.  Welcome BSN Students Elizabeth B., Elysha B., Amy B., Reece D., Ella D., Emily F-C., Hope K., Sophia M., Maggie M., Trinity R., Macey S., Sarah W., and MSN Students Eileen G.& Abigail J., and Nurse Leader Angie P.

Dr. Tiffany Zyniewicz provided the keynote speech.  She encouraged new members to dream big.  What do you dream about doing in the future?

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