sigma theta tau

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 31, 2010

Some employers will care more than others.

Also, membership shows not only a high level of performance ... it also shows a committment to the profession. The dues you pay to Sigma Theta Tau (and other professional groups) go towards fulfilling the mission of that organization. The dues are a sort of "donation" to that particular branch of the profession -- the scholarly branch. The organizations sponsors their journal, books, conferences, scholarships, research grants, etc. So paying your dues demonstrates a committment to "give" something to further the develop the scholarly activities of nursing. Again, some employers and some graduate schools care more about that than others.

The "direct" benefits may not be great and/or may not mean a lot to you ... but in this economy, I would be hesistant to turn down any honor that might give me a competitive edge. The same can be said for membership in other professional organizations, certifications, etc. They may not seem to offer much direct benefit ... but having them on your resume makes you look good in the eyes of people who care about the profession of nursing and who are involved in efforts to improve it.

JStyles1 · Mar 31, 2010

I was invited to join STT along with a few other university honors when I was in school. I only joined STT b/c it was affiliated with nursing, but I didn't like the fee. I have a hard time joining an honor society based on the payment of a fee. If I am academically qualified to be in an honor society I should be able to be in it based on my graded criteria alone, not based on paying the entry fee. If I don't pay the fee, by all means, I will not partake in the benefits like ce's, journals, etc, but don't exclude my performance thus far simply b/c I cannot afford to pay your joining fee. I still put all other awards and honor societies on my resume simply b/c I was academically qualified for them, I just chose not to pay them the money to be able to "say" it.

chaxanmom · Apr 3, 2010

Well, if it's the top 35%, it's hardly an elite group. I'm guessing if my grade point average is above 3.8, it won't matter if I have a Sigma Theta Tau membership on my application or not, should I choose to apply to grad school sometime in the future.
I feel that many of these groups are basically an exercise in self-congratulations and self-promotion. A lot of patting on the back, not a lot of substance. I was curious if this one was different. I wasn't able to tell based on their website. I'm not very good at being on committees and such because I am so sarcastic and have an extremely low tolerance for bullsh$t. I'm guessing this is an opportunity I will probably pass up.
I really appreciate everyone's input; thank you!

Join them anyway because grad schools will look for it as a minimum. If you get an invitation from Phi Kappa Phi you want that one for sure. I got in as a junior and you need to be top 7.5% of ALL disciplines for that. Top 10% to get in as a senior.

BluegrassRN · Apr 3, 2010

I don't think this is correct. Of all my friends and family who have entered of completed grad school, I don't know any who were members, which is why I asked on this board. I don't believe that grad schools look at *membership* in an organization that is supposed to represent the upper third (or 10% or whatever) instead of or in preference of your actual GPA and academic standing. They'll really judge you on whether you paid an entry fee for an organization? Meh. I don't buy it.

I've been in the top 1-2 position in my LPN, RN and now BSN classes, and I have not joined any academic organization. I don't remember being invited, but that may be a slip of the memory on my part. I agree with Pineapple et al; it seems to be a bit of a scam. I'm guessing my work experience, my academic record, and my work-related certificates and achievements will be just fine for what I want to do in life.

VivaRN · Apr 3, 2010

I am a member, had it on my resume for grad school and got a scholarship from my local chapter to attend a conference. It's just like any other professional organization, you get out of it what you put into it.

The networking benefits were nice as well when I was in grad school, got to meet my professors on a more social level (at meetings) and develop that relationship. My local chapter would also organize networking dinners with nursing leaders, charity events, awards.

I think it's worth it to join initially. You can let your dues lapse, but if you ever need it again you can always reinstate.

Cgrabek13 · Jun 16, 2011

As a member of Sigma Theta Tau, you get access to a service that sounds a lot like MedInfoNow. It's called My Info Search and it's a benefit of membership. I love it because it sends me new articles added to Medline every week in just the topical areas I'm interested in (geriatric nursing and women's health). It's such a quick and easy way to stay up to date.

Cgrabek13 · Jun 16, 2011

As a member of Sigma Theta Tau, you get access to a service that sounds a lot like MedInfoNow. It's called My Info Search and it's a benefit of membership. I love it because it sends me new articles added to Medline every week in just the topical areas I'm interested in (geriatric nursing and women's health). It's such a quick and easy way to stay up to date.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2011

I've been invited to join sigma theta tau. is it really that big of a deal? is it worth it to join since its kind of pricey?

Once you join, after your first year you can go inactive. You're able to reactivate and start paying dues again if you so choose and if not, you can still put it on your resume that you were inducted to STTI in school (or whatever).

I wish my chapter was active- at this point I haven't used it a ton but there are services that I think I will want to be able to take advantage of later on (networking, mentoring, etc).

Tait, MSN, RN · Jun 17, 2011

I just joined :) I was never in any honor societies before and decided my resume needed a little "primping". I also intend to join the Georgia Nurses Association as well within the next year, to show my support.