Nursing School Organizations
Chi Eta Phi
Chi Eta Phi Sorority is a professional nursing organization composed primarily of minority registered nurses and nursing students. The sorority is open to all nursing professionals. Chi Eta Phi was founded October 16, 1932 at Freedmans Hospital in Washington, DC. The undergraduate chapter at the University of Pittsburgh, Kappa Beta, was established January 28, 1984. Chi Eta Phi stands for character, education, and friendship. This sorority functions to develop these qualities in each of its members. Chi Eta Phi offers scholarships for continuing education and is actively involved in providing services to the community.
DNSO (Doctoral Nursing Student Organization)
DNSO was established in 1989 for the purpose of developing and encouraging a spirit of unity, cooperation, and democratic self-government among doctoral students of the School of Nursing. It coordinates activities, provides a channel of communication and representation between doctoral students and the faculty of the SON. It also advocates on behalf of the doctoral students to establish funds and programs which will promote the professional development of the doctoral students at the SON.
Graduate Nursing Student Organization
All graduate students in nursing are members of the GNSO. The purposes of GNSO are: to develop and encourage among Master's students of the School of Nursing a spirit of unity, cooperation, and democratic self-government; to coordinate activities between Master's students and the faculty of the School of Nursing; and to provide a channel of communication and representation between students and the faculty of the School of Nursing.
Officers of GNSO are elected annually in the spring term. Each graduate program can elect a program representative to the GNSO Council, to share information and concerns from the program, and to take back to the program information learned at GNSO meetings. GNSO hosts a social activity in the early fall term, so that new students can meet others in the graduate program. Information is also provided at the general orientation session at the beginning of each academic year, and GNSO members are available to mentor new students. GNSO also contributes money to host recognition events for each year's graduates. A representative from GNSO attends the University-wide Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) meetings to help nursing students obtain resources available at the university level.
NSA (Nursing Student Organizations)
NSA is a recognized and certified student organization within the University of Pittsburgh responsible for the function of representing nursing students within the University and the community. On the other hand, as a professional organization, NSA is able to inform nursing students of current issues affecting the profession.
Nurses Christian Fellowship
Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF) is an organization which provides a local, regional, national and international network for Christian nursing. The University of Pittsburgh has a local chapter available to all nursing students and faculty. There are weekly small group Bible studies and monthly large group meetings. Students and faculty can come together in fellowship and learn how to apply the Bible to their lives as well as their work as nurses. Community missions are also being planned for the future.
Sigma Theta Tau, Eta Chapter
There is a local chapter, Eta Chapter, affiliated with the School of Nursing. In fact, Eta Chapter was the 6th chapter formed, with a long and illustrious history of leadership development. Four Presidents of the International Society have been members of Eta Chapter, an accomplishment no other chapter can claim.
To become a member of Sigma Theta Tau is an honor. Membership applications are available in the Student Services Office in mid-November, and need to be returned completed by mid-January. A membership committee reviews each application, and students are invited to become members if they have demonstrated sufficient academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to advancing the profession of nursing. Eligible students include: Juniors and Seniors in the Baccalaureate curriculum, RN Options students who have completed at least 12 credits at Pitt in the School of Nursing, and graduate students with a cumulative QPA of 3.5 or above. Information is available in the Student Services Office, or by reviewing the Honor Society's website at www.nursingsociety.org.