Nursing students inducted into International Honor Society

^{By: Andrew Mees, Director of College and Athletics Communications   communications@bloomfield.edu}

The Frances M. McLaughlin Division of Nursing saw some of its brightest members receive international recognition on Nov. 23, as 10 students and faculty member Dr. Marianne Flood were inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing’s Iota Alpha Chapter in a morning ceremony at William Paterson University.

Bloomfield students Massiel Avendano, Cindy Chung, Micky Jacob, Stacey Jones, Melissa Kelly, Jason Osoteo, Toni-Marie Sosnowski, Kevin Udo and Karen and Michael Sturm received the prestigious honor during the two-hour event, with Flood receiving the distinction of Nurse Leader from the Society.

In order to be inducted into the invitation-only organization, students and faculty members must demonstrate excellence in nursing scholarship, with Nurse Leaders exhibiting exceptional achievements in the field.

“This is such an amazing honor for all of my classmates and I,” Jones, a senior, said of the distinction. “Our instructors challenge us each and every day to be the best we can be, and it is times like this when it is all worth it. We love what we do, and the amazing program here at Bloomfield prepares us to be leaders in our field. I know my classmates are extremely proud of this, and so am I.”

Founded in 1922, Sigma Theta Tau is currently the second-largest nursing organization in the world with more than 130,000 members worldwide. Joining the Honor Society in 1986, the Iota Chapter welcomed its second class of Bloomfield students in 2013 through a partnership between the institution and William Paterson. Lorraine Flood, MSN, RN, Faculty Advisor of Sigma Theta Tau and Director of the Nursing Learning Resource Center, initiated the collaboration a year ago. “Having our students inducted into this honor society is a celebration not only for the student, but also the faculty and staff serving as their mentors.”

“I am so proud of our students for receiving this honor through our partnership with William Paterson University,” Division Chair Dr. Neddie Serra said. “They continue to amaze us with their hard work and determination. Their dedication to their field is remarkable, and we are so happy that their achievements are being recognized with this prestigious honor.

“We look forward to more of our students joining the Honor Society in future classes, and expanding the reach of the Frances M. McLaughlin Division of Nursing.”