BU helps launch England Honour Society for Nurses

26 November 2009

Senior academics from the School of Health & Social Care have pledged their support to nursing development across England.

Bournemouth University (BU) will play a major role in developing nursing scholarships across England through the new England Honour Society for Nurses – part of the wider USA-based Honour Society of Nursing.

Officially known as Sigma Theta Tau International, the organisation aims to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses.

Nursing and midwifery leaders in practice, education and research from across England were invited to a recent reception hosted by BU’s School of Health & Social Care (HSC), where the Honour Society was officially inaugurated by Dame Professor Betty Kershaw, President of the Nurses & Midwifery Scholarship Society.

BU Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Curran played a key role in welcoming the society and granting his approval on behalf of BU as the host institution – a formal requirement from Sigma Theta Tau International.

Sigma Theta Tau International has been working towards becoming more global in its operations and has explored opportunities to extend its membership and networking activities. There are now a growing number of emerging Chapters and Honour Societies within Europe.

During the next 12 months, this new England Honour Society for Nurses will work closely with nurses across the country, as well as those belonging to European Chapters to develop and improve nursing practice.

Professor Elizabeth Rosser, Associate Dean (Nursing) at HSC explained: “The intention is that during the next year, the England Honour Society for Nurses will work with colleagues across England towards the development of, and application for England Chapter Status.

“As an Honour Society and subsequently with Chapter status, the membership will be involved in taking forward scholarships for nurses across England. The Society will then join with established and emerging chapters in Europe and the USA in supporting nursing scholarships, research and publications that will influence nursing practice and education.”