Epsilon Theta News

Volume 24, No. 1

December 2005

Now you can find the Epsilon Theta Website at: www.sttitexas.org or www.sigmathetatau-ut.org

Message from the President by Carol Gaskamp, PhD, RN

The 25th anniversary of the Epsilon Theta Chapter was commemorated with a special celebration October 12 at the historic and elegant Littlefield Home on the University of Texas at Austin campus.  A number of charter members were able to attend. Highlights of the evening included good food, live classical guitar music, induction of the Chapter’s newest member, Mr. Mike Aldridge, reflections from Dr. Billye Brown, and a video collage of interviews with past Chapter presidents. Epsilon Theta has a rich past and strong foundation for the future. 

A common theme emerged from the video collage. The past presidents were asked to describe the biggest challenge facing the Chapter during his or her presidency. To a person, the challenge identified was getting members involved. That involvement ranged from getting more people to attend meetings to getting more members from the community involved in the Chapter.

Knowing that the challenges I have experienced during my term as Chapter president are no different than my predecessors, I am re-framing the issue for my last six months of service. One past president described the challenge of membership involvement as being relevant to the members. Since we all lead busy lives, with demands from work, family, and other community activities, we will give of our time, efforts and resources on things that have meaning and importance for our lives.

So, what is Epsilon Theta doing that is relevant, as well as fulfilling the mission of Sigma Theta Tau, to “improve the health of the world’s people through nursing leadership and scholarship in practice, education, and research”?

• The November member meeting was held at Austin Surgical Hospital and included a CE program on the “Wrong Patient, Wrong Site, Wrong Surgery” initiative, a joint quality improvement project of the local AORN and TMA groups. Special thanks go to Hilda Guevara of Austin Surgical Hospital and Epsilon Theta Leadership Succession chair for hosting the event.
• Epsilon Theta is a sponsor of the forthcoming annual conference for the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research in Underserved Populations, February 9, 2006 at the University of Texas at Austin Alumni Center, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. The topic for the conference is “Advancing Women’s Health” with Carolyn M. Sampselle at Keynote Speaker.
• We are also planning to have a Spring member program on the Robert Wood Johnson funded project at Seton Northwest Hospital on “Transforming Care at the Bedside”. Watch your email and the Epsilon Theta Webpage for more information when this is scheduled.
• The Chapter also provides monetary awards for scholarship, research and clinical innovations. Information on applying for these awards is included in this newsletter and please note that March 31, 2006 is the deadline for applications
• Epsilon Theta members are also generous with fundraisers. Through special fundraisers, we have provided money to the Children’s Wellness Center, and raised funds for the Silver Anniversary Celebration. Future fund-raising activities will expand our scholarship awards.

Thank you all for your past support of Epsilon Theta; may you continue to find the organization relevant for your life!

Carol Gaskamp, President