Sigma Theta Tau History

Sigma Theta Tau was founded in 1922 by six nursing students at the Indiana University Training School for Nurses, now the Indiana University School of Nursing in Indianapolis, Indiana. The founders chose the name from the initials of the Greek words, "Storga," "Tharos" and "Tima" which mean, "love," "courage" and "honor."  Sigma Theta Tau was the first organization in the U.S. to fund nursing research. In 1985 the Society became incorporated as Sigma Theta Tau International, Inc., to support a global community of nursing scholars.

Organizational Mission

The mission of the Honor Society of Nursing, sigma Theta Tau international is to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to make a difference in health worldwide.

Society Vision

The vision of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to create a global community of nurses who lead in using knowledge, scholarship, service and learning to improve the health of the world's people.

Membership

Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, academic integrity and professional leadership potential and to nurse leaders with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and demonstrating exceptional achievement in nursing.

Services

The honor society recognizes the value of scholarship and excellence in nursing practice.  These values are supported through numerous professional development services that focus on the core areas of education, leadership, career development, evidence-based nursing, research and scholarship.  These services include research grants, educational programs, online continuing education opportunities, mentoring and global health care think tanks.  A variety of publications are available that support the learning and professional development of nurses, including Journal of Nursing Scholarship, Reflections on Nursing Leadership, Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, Chapter Leader Emphasis and Create the Future.