Beta Tau is seeking nominations for the 2007-2008 year to recognize its members and those who support its members.  Individuals may be self-nominated or may be nominated by a supporter.  Those selected will be recognized at the annual Spring Induction Ceremony.  Awardees will receive a plaque and an award.  In addition Beta Tau will pay for attendance at Induction. 

• Completed Research Education
• Friends of Nursing
• Leadership
• Nursing Practice
• Mentorship
• Undergraduate Student Performance

General Criteria

• With the exception of Friends of Nursing, Mentorship and Undergraduate Student Performance awards, nominee must hold current membership in Sigma Theta Tau. Preference will be given to Beta Tau members.
• Completed application and supporting materials must be postmarked by the published deadline.
• Evidence of having met the criteria for the award being sought (supporting materials) must be appropriate for the award and may include:
• Description of the significance of the nominee’s contribution
• Endorsement / support from nursing or community leaders
• Evidence of publication or presentation at workshop or meeting
• Evidence of local, state, national or international recognition
• Transcript for Undergraduate Student Performance
• Any other evidence specific to the award
• Letters of support from 2 individuals who have first hand knowledge of the nominee’s work/project and its impact

Selection

Nominations will be reviewed by the Awards Committee of Beta Tau Chapter and/or ad hoc members appointed by the chapter President to participate in the selection process.  An officer of Beta Tau Chapter will serve in an ex-officio capacity on the review committee. The materials provided will be judged against the published criteria.  The Committee has the prerogative of not awarding persons in every category if nominations have not been submitted or if a nomination is not determined to be excellent.  The decision of the Committee is final. 

Notification

Awardees will be notified of their selection approximately 3 weeks prior to the Induction Ceremony.  All applicants will receive a letter from the Awards Committee notifying them of the status of their nomination prior to the Induction Ceremony.  The committee will rely on contact information provided on the application.

Specific Criteria for Individual Awards

Excellence in Completed Research
Completes research project that has significance within the community or profession
Publishes or presents the results of quantitative or qualitative research in nursing practice or nursing education or nursing theory or
Promotes research activities locally, nationally, or internationally
Note: Recency of research activity will be considered in the selection

Excellence in Nursing Education
Demonstrates excellence in teaching
Advances the science of nursing through clarifying, refining, and/or expanding the knowledge base of nursing
Promotes new strategies in nursing education or practice
Influences the professional practice of nursing and the public’s image of nursing through excellence in teaching or activities that promote nursing education

Excellence in Nursing Practice
Demonstrates knowledge and expertise in clinical practice
Contributes to quality patient care through creative approaches to nursing practice
Inspires outstanding practice of colleagues through role modeling, mentoring or precepting
Advances the scope and practice of nursing through policy-making activities in health care agency, community or legislative agencies

Excellence in Leadership
Introduces visionary or innovative leadership approaches in his/her organization
Creates an environment that enhances the image of nursing
Receives local, state, national or international recognition for leadership in nursing practice, education or administration
Participates in the development of new leaders through policy development or mentorship

Excellence in Undergraduate Student Performance
Enrolled as a junior or senior undergraduate nursing student
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Evidence of outstanding performance that had a significant impact on a peer, patient, community or profession
Open to any undergraduate junior or senior nursing student, including RN-BSN students, seeking the bachelor of science degree. 

Excellence in Mentorship
Actively shapes and promotes the career of a nurse
Freely shares own resources for the growth and development of mentee(s)
Maintains the mentoring relationship over time
Open to any member of the community who has had significant impact on a STT member

Friends of Nursing Award
Individual or organization that has significant impact on nursing, the health care community, or the health of people in the community
Recognizes individuals or organizations not eligible for membership in STT

Send completed nominations to: 
Download File Form

Awards Committee Staff
Beta Tau Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International
M. Christine Schwartz Center for Nursing and Health Studies,
University of Miami
5030 Brunson Drive
Coral Gables, Florida 33146