The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma, is dedicated to promoting excellence in nursing education, practice and research.

Organization History

  • Founded in 1922
  • Over 400,000 members in more than 90 countries
  • Members include practicing nurses, instructors, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and others.
  • 446 chapters located at 543 institutions of higher education throughout Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Ghana, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, the Netherlands, Pakistan, South Africa, South Korea, Swaziland, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania and the United States.
  • Visit the Sigma website for more information or view the Epsilon Phi Chapter page

Chapter Information

Mission

The stated purpose of the Duquesne Chapter is to recognize superior achievement in nursing and to develop qualities of leadership among nursing professionals and students, to foster high professional standards of nursing practice, and to strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of professional nursing.

History

  • Inducted into the honor society in March of 1982
  • Chapter has inducted 2,350 members and currently has 348 active members.
  • Epsilon Phi is a chapter that values research and best practice. Each March, a $2,000 research scholarship for members of Epsilon Phi is awarded.
  • Annual spring Scholars Night event
  • The Sigma Induction ceremony in the spring inducts eligible undergraduate, second degree students, MSN, PhD and DNP students.
  • Free Continuing Educational Units, which are needed to maintain an RN licensure in Pennsylvania and many other states.

The Dr. Linda Garand Annual SIGMA Scholarship Awards

The Epsilon Phi Chapter of SIGMA is committed to fostering research studies and evidence-based clinical projects to advance the contributions of nurses to the health of individuals, families, and communities. Toward that end, the Epsilon Phi Chapter is offering two monetary Awards of $1,500 this year. The Award is intended to support the membership’s scholarly work. The Award will be presented to two members meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a complete application.

Scholarship Award Eligibility Criteria

  1. Active membership in the Epsilon Phi Chapter of SIGMA (formerly known as Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing).
  2. Student applicants must be enrolled in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program of study/project.
  3. General Member applications must a PhD-level study or DNP-level project.
  4. Scholarship Award Applications are due on or before July 15th (11:59pm EST).

Description of Scholarly Work

  1. The proposed PhD-level study or DNP-level project (study/project) is clearly articulated and explores health-related questions (e.g., health outcomes, health care delivery, health care ethics, health policy).
  2. The qualifications of the Principle Investigator (PI) and the strength of the study/project approach (how the question will be answered; the study/project sample, design, procedures, analysis and dissemination plan).
  3. The feasibility of the study/project timetable and execution plan (e.g., can recruit and retain study/project participants, organizational-level cooperation).
  4. The study/project findings will contribute to scientific knowledge or clinical practice (e.g., the study/project has merit).
  5. The budget justification contains detail and is appropriate.

Download the Scholarship Award Application Directions
Photo of the late Dr. Linda Garand

2023-2024 Applications

The Epsilon Phi Chapter is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Dr. Linda Garand Annual SIGMA Scholarship Awards. The application due date is before midnight (EST) on July 15, 2023.

Online Application