The Shenandoah University Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing has demonstrated excellence in nursing through the establishment of the Rho Pi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. The Shenandoah University Honor Society of Nursing was chartered on April 26, 2002.
Membership is by invitation to Shenandoah University baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship. Qualified community BSN or MSN graduates demonstrating exceptional achievement in nursing may also be inducted. Current Sigma Theta Tau International members joining the Rho Pi Chapter are essential to its continued development.
Sigma Theta Tau was founded at the Indiana University Training School for Nursing in 1922 by six nurses dedicated to improving health care. They chose the Greek words Sigma Theta Tau which stand for love, courage and honor.
Sigma Theta Tau International provides its members opportunities and responsibilities to make definite contributions through nursing research to the school of nursing, to the profession, and to the health of the public worldwide.
Its purposes are to:
- Recognize superior achievement
- Recognize the development of leadership qualities
- Foster high professional standards
- Encourage creative work
- Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession