Sigma Theta Tau

[HAYB]

I have recently been invited to join Sigma Theta Tau and was wondering why I should pay to be recognized for an achievement (honors) that I earned through hard work? If anyone has any insight on this I would appreciate it. I really don't get why my achievements would require money in order to be recognized for said achievements. Also,if I decide to join, what can STT do for me specifically that would warrant such annual dues. I am just reluctant to pay for a service without being told or even contacted beforehand with regards to what that service can offer me specifically. Maybe it is just me but my experience with school and the nursing curriculum was not a great one with regards to money. It seemed to me that I was always being charged for things I did not need or ask for (e.g. kaplan books, kaplan courses, nclex registration, nclex results etc.). I would think that just paying for my pricey tuition would be good enough. Thanks!!

[tokebi]

First of all, congratulations! It is an achievement to be proud of!

I've felt the similar way about it when I was in school. I was sick and tired of having to pay for so many... "useless" things. If you can afford it, though, I strongly recommend joining. You're not paying for the recognition. You're paying for the various privileges that come with the membership. By having the exclusive membership, you get extra opportunities of networking. You also get access to a few journals/publications. It also boosts your resume, as it shows your academic success to your prospective employer.

What sold me on it was that once I join, I was not obligated to continue to pay the annual fee. If I stop paying, my membership will just become inactive. But if I change my mind, however, I'll just pay the fee and I can enjoy the benefits again. I heard that joining STT by invitation while you're in school is the easiest way. Once you graduate, the criteria and process of induction is a lot more complicated.

[CWONgal]

I paid only for a couple first couple of years and then stopped. Once inducted you can list it on your resume.

[DawnJ]

I feel the same way. I didn't join, it just felt like a way for them to get my money. I don't think any hiring manager is going to give a fig about this fraternity

[HAYB]

Thanks!!! Yea I graduated in December and I am just getting the emails from school now (3 months after) so I didn't even know if it was worth it. Thanks again.

[amoLucia]

I joined Sigma as a community member in 1980 or so. I still continue my membership with Sigma and I list my membership on my resume. I believe it aided my obtaining a teaching position since the Dean of the Nursing School was also a member and she recognized my name as I knew her name also (and we chatted about it during my interview).

Membership can give you an opportunity to network and you'll never know where your path may cross with another member in your job search. Practitioners in other fields join organizations in their specialties - I just think it's a mark of professionalism to do so.

Yes, it's a bit pricey, but I think it's worth it. Just my 3 cents.