Sigma Theta Tau--worth it?

justme1972 · Mar 18, 2008

I would join it, and be glad.

Our school doesn't have the chapter.

jessiern, BSN, RN · Mar 18, 2008

Never heard of it before now, but glancing at the website quickly it sounds a lot like Phi Theta Kappa (the honor society for 2 year colleges). I joined PTK when I was pusuing an Associate of Science degree back in the days that I was gong to be a pharm, just becuase it looks good on college applications. So, if you plan to advance your degree, might not be a bad idea.

ann945n, RN · Mar 18, 2008

I have heard a lot of pros and cons to joining it. I personally would as I would like to list it on my applications for future schools or future employment. It will make you stick out a little more, how much that will actually help though is up for debate. I would do it.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Mar 18, 2008

Call me cheap---because I am, but I would not join it. What does it have to offer you besides that fact you can state your a member.

Before I decided to become an Rn I worked in the HR field and my main job was hiring for IT companies. Rarely if ever did it matter where you got your diploma from or what chapters you may have been a member of, What did matter was job experience, past employment and accomplishments during employment. Glowing references were a plus too.

That is just my :twocents:

LeesieBug · Mar 18, 2008

You might want to double check the fee to join for a student. When I was inducted 2 years ago, it was cheaper for students (50-70 bucks I think). Still a lot for a student, but it was worth it to me. It is a professional organization that I really appreciate now.

Our chapter offers a lot of networking, educational and volunteer opportunities.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Mar 18, 2008

Out of curiosity I looked it up--and it looks like as long as you have a 3.0 (most nursing students do) and are in the top 35% of your class you can join...I still think there is a better use of your 90.00.

Undergraduate Student - Junior or senior students enrolled in baccalaureate programs at institutions of higher education that have a Sigma Theta Tau International chapter who have completed at least 1/2 of the nursing curriculum, rank in the upper 35 percent of their graduating class and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

HealthyRN · Mar 18, 2008

I am a member of Sigma Theta Tau and I am glad that I joined. It is especially important if you plan on continuing your education at some point. The organization offers a lot of networking opportunities, scholarships, and opportunities to conduct and share research. If I recall, you have to have letters of recommendation to support your application. Membership may not matter much to employers, but it does say a lot to admission committees for grad school.

BeachyRNn08 · Mar 18, 2008

Hey, I am a member of Sigma Theta Tau, and I am glad I joined. Call me crazy, but I'm proud to have the extra recognition and the little cord when I graduate, if you don't really care about all that then I wouldn't do it. I haven't really taken advantage of any of the other opportunities like networking and all that that membership gives you. Guess I just did it more for bragging rights, lol. But hey, if you've worked hard enough to be in the top 30% of your class, why not get some credit for it!!

BlueRidgeHomeRN · Mar 18, 2008

:nurse:i'd go for it--may not seem like a big deal now, but it will open doors and give an indication of your proessional effort later. mine has gotten me at least two jobs and probably several more interviews.

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Mar 18, 2008

I chose not to join when invited. If I remember right it wasn't just a one time fee, it was yearly. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong about that. For me, it didn't seem worth it.

HealthyRN · Mar 18, 2008

It is a yearly fee, but most professional organizations are. Belonging to any professional organization is an indication that you are dedicated to the advancement of the profession.