INDIANAPOLIS —Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) recently updated its membership guidelines, allowing Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society (Alpha Delta Nu) inductees to be invited to join Sigma at any time during their BSN or graduate nursing program provided they meet all other criteria. The new membership exception guidelines, recently adopted by the Sigma International Board of Directors, may be used at the discretion of each chapter’s governance committee.
This new membership pathway is the latest advancement in an ongoing collaboration between Sigma and the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), whose Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) graduates comprise the membership of Alpha Delta Nu. Sigma and OADN previously announced an initiative that provides free resources to Alpha Delta Nu members.
“This Sigma membership pathway recognizes the demonstrated excellence of Alpha Delta Nu members,” said OADN Chief Executive Officer Rick García, PhD, RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FAADN. “I’m delighted to see the continued respect and collaboration between our organizations and among our highly qualified, diverse nursing workforce.”
Sigma CEO Elizabeth Madigan, PhD, RN, FAAN, added, “I am happy to see this accelerated membership pathway reflected in our revised Sigma membership guidelines. This strengthens our collaboration with OADN and Alpha Delta Nu and reflects our mutual commitment to excellence and advancement in nursing.”
To receive an invitation to join Sigma, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria.*
Undergraduates must:
- Be enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program or equivalent.
- Achieve academic excellence based on Sigma criteria; based on a 4.0 GPA scale, the undergraduate minimum is 3.0.*
- Be ranked in the highest 35 percent of their nursing class.
- Complete more than one-half of the nursing curriculum or, for RN to BSN students, complete 12 credit hours.
This requirement may now be waived for OADN inductees.
Graduate Students must:
- Achieve academic excellence based on set criteria; based on a 4.0 GPA scale, the graduate minimum is 3.5 or equivalent.*
- Have completed one-fourth of the nursing curriculum.
This requirement may now be waived for OADN inductees. - Meet the expectation of academic integrity.
*View all Sigma academic achievement requirements.
Alpha Delta Nu nurses currently enrolled in a baccalaureate or graduate program should contact leaders in their local Sigma chapter to inquire about a membership invitation. Sigma chapter leaders with questions may contact member services.
Learn more about Sigma membership.
About Sigma
The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere. Founded in 1922 by six nursing students, Sigma has more than 100,000 active members and 600 chapters at institutions of higher education and healthcare partners from Armenia, Australia, and Botswana to Thailand, the United States, and Wales. Sigma members include clinical nurses and administrators, academic nurse educators and researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others working to fulfill the organization’s vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare. Learn more at www.SigmaNursing.org.
About OADN and Alpha Delta Nu
As the national advocate for the over 1,100 associate degree nursing programs across the country, the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) works to advance excellence in nursing education and community college pathways into registered nursing careers. OADN is the national voice and a pivotal resource for community college nursing education and the associate degree pathway, with a vision to expand networks that promote leadership, collaboration, and advocacy to further enrich nursing education and the communities we serve.
OADN established the Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society in 2012 to recognize academic achievement for nursing students graduating from community colleges. Alpha Delta Nu encourages the pursuit of advanced degrees in the nursing profession as well as continuing education as a lifelong professional responsibility. Two-thirds of Alpha Delta Nu members enroll in BSN completion programs. Learn more at Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society - OADN.