Members: Spring is the perfect time to bring new members into our chapter!! They bring new life and ideas and attitudes that can help those of us with some years behind us to renew our commitment to the profession and to the pursuit of excellence in our own practice. After all, that is the reason we are members of Sigma Theta Tau—to be the best professional nurses that we can be, regardless of our area of practice or level of preparation. Therefore, I encourage you to be a part of the induction ceremony and spring meeting of Lambda Theta chapter, scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, 2005. You will be encouraged by the enthusiasm of the new members, and if you aren't careful, you might even learn something! I will see you there.

Gloria J. Green, RN, PhD

President Lambda Theta Chapter

Please give thoughtful consideration to any professional nurse(s) you believe to be deserving of membership in Sigma Theta Tau. The requirements are as follows:

Nominations may be made with the forms included with this newsletters (additional copies may be made as needed). The current Chapter member completes the "Nurse Leader Nomination Form," and the nominee completes the "Membership Intent Form." Applications must be received by April 8, 2005, to be considered for induction in the May 3^rd Lambda Theta Induction ceremony. Please mail or fax forms to: Dr. Brenda P. Johnson, Eligibility Chair; Department of Nursing, MS 8300, Southeast Missouri State University, One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701.

FAX: 573-651-2142 Phone: 573-651-2731 e-mail: bjohnson@semo.edu

2005 OFFICER NOMINATIONS

Please consider the benefits of taking an active role as a member and officer of Sigma Theta Tau. You have the opportunity to enjoy professional growth with fellow members of the local chapter, understand international nursing through the activities of Sigma Theta Tau International, and enhance the effectiveness of nursing in our local area. Nominations are needed for the offices of President Elect, Vice President, Treasurer, Counselor and a member of the Nominating Committee. Anyone wishing to obtain more information about these positions, to volunteer to run for election, or to nominate someone for these offices, please contact one of the following nominating committee members:

Linda Boyd (eeboyd@sbmu.net or 471-2611),

Karen Hinze (dkhinze@yahoo.com or 471-8769), or

Kathy White (kathywhite@astate.edu).

All phone numbers have message machines to take your calls. The nominating committee looks forward to hearing from you. Deadline to submit nominations is April 8^th.

Forward nominations to: Dr. Linda Heitman, Department of Nursing, MS 8300, Southeast Missouri State University, One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. Deadline is April 15^th.

We had two new faculty members added this fall. They are Janet Adams, MSN and Twila Brown, PhD. Janet is teaching medical surgical nursing and assisting students in their preparation for the NCLEX-RN. Dr. Brown teaches both obstetrics and pediatrics nursing. We are fortunate to have these talented educators as new faculty members. In May of 2004, Dr. Ann Sprengel was promoted to full professor and Dr. Linda Heitman and Dr. Kathy Ham were awarded tenure. Dr. Linda Heitman has also been listed in the Sigma Theta Tau International's "2004-2005 Media Guide to Health Care Experts."

This summer the remodeling of the student skills laboratory was completed. The support for the project was from a federal grant, written by several faculty members. As a result of the remodeling we now have an additional classroom and the skills laboratory room has increased utilization with a brighter, more conducive learning environment. Student applications to the Department have increased and we can now admit seventy students per year, 35 per semester.

Dr. A. Louise Hart, Chairperson

Department of Nursing

Dr. A Louise Hart, Chairperson of the Department of Nursing at Southeast Missouri State University since 1995, will be retiring and moving to Indiana at the end of May 2005. She has served the Lambda Theta chapter of Sigma Theta Tau as Archivist, and has provided administrative oversight and assistance for accomplishing the work of the chapter. She has been and will remain an avid supporter of Sigma Theta Tau.

Lambda Theta Chapter will be honoring her at this time or retirement. If you, as an individual member, would also like to honor her, you may do so by making a donation to the James L. Lee and Esther Ray Lee Endowed Scholarship for nursing students from Mississippi County, which she established in honor of her parents. Contributions can be made through the University Foundation. For more information, contact the Foundation at 573-651-2203.