Sigma Theta Tau

Guests · Jul 15, 2014

I joined STT in order to put it on my resume but never renewed after graduation... too expensive and no real benefit once you're in the workforce.

allnurses Guide · Jul 15, 2014

There are many threads about this, try a search and you'll get lots of previous replies, both positive and negative.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 15, 2014

Joining Sigma Theta Tau is not (or should not) be so much about "getting something concrete in exchange for your money" -- or "buying a service" ... as it is about:

1. The honor of being recognized as qualified to be invited to join

2. Stepping up to the plate to contribute to academic work of your profession by paying your dues (which are used to sponsor research and other academic related activities)

3. Giving to your profession -- and to the world by supporting the academic work of the nursing profession

You are unlikely to receive significant direct benefit in concrete or monatary form, but you can benefit from the networking opportunties -- and maybe some day, you will get a research grant -- or you will be able to present a poster at one of their events ... etc. . And people whose value systems include respect for those who contribute to nursing work will look upon your membership positively. When I see that a nurse is a member, I think ..."She performed well enough to be invited ... and she has accepted the responsibility of contributing to her profession. She understands the importance of giving as well as receiving."

Do I think it is "worth it?" Yes -- and I have been a member for over 30 years -- and paid a lot of dues. But I haven't gotten the type of benefit from it that many young nurses are thinking of when they ask that question.

seconddegreebsn · Jul 16, 2014

I'm a member, still considering if I want to continue after graduation - I likely will as I want to go to grad school and may apply to one of the scholarships they offer.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 16, 2014

No benefits that I could discern unless you are doing research. They have good journals for research. Your boss could not care less.

Carpediem1012, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2014

Joining Sigma Theta Tau is not (or should not) be so much about "getting something concrete in exchange for your money" -- or "buying a service" ... as it is about:
1. The honor of being recognized as qualified to be invited to join
2. Stepping up to the plate to contribute to academic work of your profession by paying your dues (which are used to sponsor research and other academic related activities)
3. Giving to your profession -- and to the world by supporting the academic work of the nursing profession
You are unlikely to receive significant direct benefit in concrete or monatary form, but you can benefit from the networking opportunties -- and maybe some day, you will get a research grant -- or you will be able to present a poster at one of their events ... etc. . And people whose value systems include respect for those who contribute to nursing work will look upon your membership positively. When I see that a nurse is a member, I think ..."She performed well enough to be invited ... and she has accepted the responsibility of contributing to her profession. She understands the importance of giving as well as receiving."
Do I think it is "worth it?" Yes -- and I have been a member for over 30 years -- and paid a lot of dues. But I haven't gotten the type of benefit from it that many young nurses are thinking of when they ask that question.

Thank you llg, for taking the time to comment. I have contacted the chapter and am going to join. I was not asking in terms of "monetary" or "immediate" benefits, but what people felt they got out of being a member. I should have worded my question better. My personal purpose for joining is to be part of an international organization of nurses. I like that the have a newsletter and access to journals. I am thinking of attending the 2015 conference, as one of my profs said it is one of the most inspiring and worthwhile conferences she has ever attended.

elkpark · Jul 17, 2014

I am another long-time member. In addition to what llg already noted, I will add that some local chapters are v. active and good sources of networking and employment opportunities.

And some "bosses" do notice and care.