The School of Nursing constitutes its own subsidiary of the international association SIGMA

The School de Enfermería has celebrated the academic act of constitution of the first Spanish chapter of the honorary society Sigma Theta Tau.

The event began with welcoming remarks by the president of the chapter, Mercedes Pérez Diez del Corral, who introduced the members of the board, formed by Ana Choperena (vice-president), Begoña Errasti (advisor), Sonsoles Martín (treasurer) and Clara Cabrera (administrative assistant). In addition, the event was attended by Maribel Saracíbar, professor emeritus of the School of Nursing, Carmen Rumeu, director of nursing of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona, Isabel Iturrioz, president of the high school of Nursing of Navarra, Dorothy Jones, professor of the William F. Connell School of Nursing at Boston College, and Lizz Westcott, president-elect of SIGMA. Olga López de Dicastillo, Vice Dean of Nursing at School of Health Sciences of the Public University of Navarra, also participated in the event.

Dr. Jones began by discussing theimportance of leadership and excellence in nursing, focusing on the University's responsibility to "instill excellence in nursing. For me personally, all the opportunities SIGMA has offered me from training, research, scholarships, etc, have allowed me to become a better nurse." She added, "Congratulations to all involved. This chapter is a breakthrough for your university, so you can be proud of this experience."

She was followed by Dr. Sandra Garmon Bibb, a retired U.S. Army nurse captain and current president of SIGMA, who introduced the society and its founding principles: "In 1922, six nursing students at what is now Indiana University decided to create a society that would recognize the importance of scholarship and excellence at internship in order to advance nursing as a profession". He noted that because of this fact, "Sigma was and continues to be the organization of innovation and forward thinking. It has brought together nearly 100,000 nurses from more than 100 countries to collaborate, network and advance Sigma's vision."

Subsequently, the creation of the chapter in Spain took place. Dr. Bibb, referring to the University of Navarra, stated that "it has demonstrated its commitment to nursing by fulfilling the established requirements ", and added that "we are excited and proud to welcome this new chapter and its members here today to our diverse and global institution".

At the end of the ceremony, the 52 new members, including students, professors and professionals, were welcomed and recognized by being presented with the submission certificate .

About Sigma

It is a non-profit organization whose mission is mission statement to support and accompany nurse leaders in their respective fields, with the aim of helping them to optimize the care they provide, improving their corresponding health indicators. Sigma's members include clinical nurses and managers, academic nurses, teachers and researchers, and senior nursing students. All are working to implement Sigma's vision of creating networks of nurse leaders who can transform health care globally.