February 2000 Newsletter

From the President, Karen Ward

Wow! A lot has happened since the last newsletter! We've passed from the 20th to the 21st Century - and are already a month into the new Millennium. The convention in San Diego was all that was expected and more. I was so proud to be there representing Xi Alpha - we are a chapter making ourselves known at the International level.

The most important event was the ceremony at which Xi Alpha was presented with the Chapter Key Award. This prestigous award is given to chapters that demonstrate outstanding programming, outreach, and member involvement during the biennium. Let me again thank Susan McKinney, Marge Kopp, Anita Kinslow, and Lynn Parsons for all the work they did in getting our application ready to submit. Lynn and I were so pleased to represent all of you in receiving this honor. Please come by the Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building and see the beautiful banner and "key" above the scholarship case on the second floor by the elevator. I challenge us all to continue our efforts so that Xi Alpha can be listed under the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, (and so on) year recipients!

Xi Alpha also received the "Chapter Accountability Award". This award is given to chapter that get all their reports turned in on time. Many thanks to the entire Board for their help in obtaining this distinction.

Individual members in our chapter gave us additional publicity. Both Lynn Parsons and Suzanne Prevost were recognized as Distinguished Lecturers and Virginia Henderson Fellows. You will be hearing more about these programs at another time and place. Suzanne Prevost ran for an international office and was elected to the International Reserch Committee. I can't claim anything quite so lofty, but I did enjoy serving on the Research Dissemination Award Judging Committeee and the Resolutions Committee!

As usual, the most personally rewarding aspect of attending the biennial convention was seeing old friends and making new ones. It's such a wonderful opportunity for networking. This year was special in another way - on Sunday morning, I (and four other women attending the convention; two other survivors and two supporters) ran in the Race-for-the-Cure in Balboa Park in San Diego. It was a fantastic experience for all of us; we were among over 9,000 people all "racing" to find a cure for breast cancer.

The next convention will be in Indianapolis, the birthplace of Sigma Theta Tau - it's even close enough to drive! Begin planning now for a wonderful week in 2001!

Update on the Regional Conference

As you may remember from the last newsletter, the prospect of restructuring the regions of Sigma Theta Tau International was going to be discussed at the convention in San Diego. It was and a decision was reached to charge the board with exploring new regional options. As a result, the regional conferences had to be revisited. We will not be hosting a conference in Nashville. Although this is relatively sad news, I think we can recognize that change has both good and bad points. On Tuesday, 01-25-00, a group of individuals comprised of members of the potential host chapters participated in a conference call. During this call, various ideas were discussed having to do with how to structure the "regional" meetings. Nothing is settled at this time, but I can share with you that there will probably be four identical conferences held at different places in the country; places will be selected by size, airline accessibility, and interest as a travel destination. These conferences would not be tied to specific regions, yet will be geographically spaced to accommodate as many members as possible. Members could elect to go to any of the locations, according to their scheduling needs and other travel obligations. These would be "transition" meetings until the restructuring occurs and a more comprehensive plan is in place. This is not a lot of information, but I wanted to keep you as up to date as possible.

Message from the Treasurer

Dues will be increased by $10.00 in order to keep the chapter financially secure. New honor cards are available to purchase for $10.00. These are much nicer cords. Call Pat O'Leary to purchase 898-5621.

Nominations Sought

Looking for a few good people. The Nominating Committee seeks energetic, interested people to fill two offices next year: President-elect and Secretary. The term is for two years. If you are interested or know someone who is, notify Jenny Sauls, chair of the Nominating Committee at 898-5692 or e-mail her at jsauls@mtsu.edu. New officers will be voted on at the next business meeting on Feb. 22, 2000.

New Web site for Society Members

Take a look at the redesigned Sigma Theta Tau Web site. Several new features are highlighted. Online continuing education coming this Spring. Research presentation finder keeps you up-to-date on research opportunities. Address changes can be made as well. :

To view the site, visit www.nursingsociety.org.

Sigma Theta Tau International Headquarters 1-800-634-7575

Next Biennial Sigma Theta Tau Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, Nov. 10 -14, 2001

See you there!

Chapter Member Feature, Suzanne Prevost

By Jessi Murray, RN, BSN

At the Sigma Theta Tau's Biennial Convention in November, 1999, Dr. Suzanne Prevost was elected to the International Research Committee. Dr. Prevost will hold this office for the next two years and will make decisions regarding research funding, plan research conferences, and provide oversight to research publications at the international level.

In addition to her responsibilities as professor and holder of the NHC Chair of Excellence at Middle Tennessee State University, Dr. Prevost has actively contributed her time and talents through a variety of positions in Sigma Theta Tau International. She is currently on STT's Distinguished Lecturer list and Online Journal Editorial Board. In preparation for her newly acquired international position, Dr. Prevost was a leadership extern mentored by Pat Thompson, President of Sigma Theta Tau International. She has received four research awards from Sigma Theta Tau chapters and regional awards for Research Utilization (1991 & 1996), Research Dissemination (1997), and Public Print Media (1991).

Dr. Prevost's primary research interest is in patient outcome (i.e. cost effectiveness, patient satisifaction). Along with other faculty at M.T.S.U., she is currently surveying local nurses regarding their knowledge about pain management. She hopes to utilize their research findings to improve the curriculum at M.T.S.U. and guide continuing education for local nurses in the community. Dr. Prevost's well-deserving recognition and success in Sigma Theta Tau International offers a refreshing example of the philosophy; "you reap what you sow."

Sigma Theta Tau International's Biennial Theme : Learning & Leading Globally - Members and Chapters: Strategic Plan 2005

Sigma Theta Tau International's vision is to create a global community of nurses who lead in using scholarship, knowledge and technology to improve the health of the world's people. The Honor Society of Nursing supports the learning and professional development of our members, who strive to improve nursing care worldwide.

After an 18 month inquiry, the organization has developed a strategic plan using input from a diverse group of members, nursing leaders, health care professionals, and consumers.

Goal 1: Membership Development: Develop members across the span of their careers.
Goal 2: Chapter Development: Build strong chapters and foster collaborative leadership.
Goal 3:Global Linkages: Advance global linkages at the organizational and member levels.
Goal 4: Leadership Agenda: Prepare and position nurses to lead in diverse, complex, health-related environments.
Goal 5: Research Support: Advance the scientific base of nursing practice through the scholarship of research.
Goal 6: Scholarship Development: Stimulate scholarly practice in the professional lives of members.
Goal 7: Financial Health: Identify, secure and use a variety of resources to ensure the organization's future.

The newly elected board and regional coordinators will launch the biennial initiatives.

President Patricia E. Thompson, RN, EdD - Little Rock, Ark.
President Elect May L. Wykle, RN, PhD, FAAN - Cleveland, Ohio
Vice President Carol Picard, RN, PhD - Boston, Mass.
Secretary Heather F. Clarke, RN, PhD - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Treasurer Linda Q. Everett, RN, PhD, CNNA - Iowa City, Iowa
Director Fannie Gaston-Johansson, RN, DrMedSc, FAAN - Baltimore, Md.
Director Maureen R. Keefe, RN, PhD, FAAN - Charleston, S.C.
Director Clarann Weinert, SC, RN, PhD, FAAN, Bozeman, Mont.
Research Committee
- Terry A. Badger, RN, PhD, CS, Tuscon, Ariz.
- Julie E. Johnson, RN, PhD, Reno, Nev.
- Cecile A. Lengacher, RN, PhD, Tampa, Fla.
- Patricia R. Messmer, RN, PhD, C, FAAN, Hollywood, Fla.
- Suzanne S. Prevost, RN, PhD, CNAA, Murfreesboro, TN
- Donna M. Romyn, RN, PhD, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Susan Noble Walker, RN, EdD, FAAN, Omaha, Neb.
Regional Chapters
- Coordinating Committee Chair Susan L. Folden, ARNPC, PhD - West Palm Beach, Fla.
- Region 1 Coordinator Carol Jorgensen Huston, MSN, MPA, DPA - Chico, Calif.
- Region 2 Coordinator Karen Grigsby, RN, PhD - Omaha, Neb.
- Region 3 Coordinator Sharon Decker, RN, MSN, CS, CCRN - Lubbock, Texas
- Region 4 Coordinator Beverly S. Reigle, RN, PhD - Cincinnati, Ohio
- Region 5 Coordinator Donna M. Zucker, RN, PhD - Amherst, Mass
- Region 6 Coordinator Anna C. Alt-White, RN, PhD - Washington, D.C.
- Region 7 Coordinator K. Sue Haddock, RN, PhD, CNAA - Columbia, S.C.

New Research Award

A research award cosponsored with the NHC Chair of Excellence at Middle Tennessee State University will be awarded during the Spring Ceremony for Induction of new members.

The purpose of this research award is to offer a small sum (up tp $300) for a meritorious research project conducted by a chapter member (s). It is expected that this award will provide funds for piloting a large project or startup costs for a smaller study.

The selection criteria for the award are:

Primary investigator must hold active membership in Xi Alpha Chapter
Submission of a brief research proposal- including budget- for a project on a health related topic
Likelihood of completion of project

The deadline for application is Monday, March 6, 2000 at 1:00 p.m.

For additonal information, please see

Karen Ward (898-5845, office number 239, CKNB, MTSU campus) or Lynn Parsons (898-2444, office number 226, CKNB).

Research Corner

The Effects of Antepartum Bed Rest on Women Experiencing High Risk Pregnancies

By Amy J. Hudson, RN, BSN

Health care professionals have been prescribing bed rest as a treatment for high risk pregnancies since the 1920's. Recent research has shown, however, that most women who have been placed on partial or complete bed rest, either at home or in the hospital, have not benefited from the experience either physically or emotionally. Most of the women studied experienced the same antepartum risks as those women who were not prescribed bed rest, and suffered from more postpartum complications as well.

Research findings report that some women placed on antepartum bed rest are even more prone to preterm labor and lower birth weight babies. The outcomes of pregnancy among high-risk women who complied with recommended bed rest compared with those who did not comply, indicated the mean weeks of gestation were similar for those women prescribed either partial or total bed rest, and longer for those without the recommendation.

Recent evidence suggests that bed rest may even be harmful to pregnant women. It is believed that total or partial bed rest may be disruptive to a woman's life, may have financial implications, may make a woman feel guilty if she is unable to comply, and may even adversely affect her well-being. There have also been several other physical and psychosocial effects of antepartum bed rest. Some physical changes include the fact that while on bed rest, weight loss occurs rapidly despite reduced activity and controlled caloric intake. Other physical changes include increased heart rate, heartburn and reflux, constipation, decreased cardiac output and stroke volume, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Some women on bed rest also suffered from postpartum complications such as shortness of breath on exertion, dizziness, and muscle soreness which are all indicative of cardiovascular and muscular deconditioning.

Many women who were prescribed bed rest during their pregnancies also recognized a disruption in family functioning. Spousal relationships were problematic and the routine medical restriction on sexual activity added to the problems. Many women interviewed mentioned the guilt they felt for being on bed rest since they were unable to perform normal roles.

As a result of several research findings disputing the effectiveness of antepartum bed rest, an appropriate nursing intervention would be to use this recommendation only when the patient is willing to follow through with it and deal with the not so beneficial consequences. Only women who are willing to lie in bed several hours per day will actually benefit from bed rest. The others will only feel more stressed out, compounding the problem. Health care professionals should be made aware of these recent research findings, and prescribe antepartum bed rest accordingly. Providers will benefit knowing that their patients are better off, and that they themselves are well informed of the latest research pertaining to this topic.

References

Goldenberg, R. L., & Rouse, D. J. (1998). Medical progress: prevention of premature birth. The New England Journal of Medicine, 339(5), 313-320.

Josten, L. E., Savik, K., Mullett, S. E., Campbell, R., & Vincent, P. (1995). Bedrest compliance for women with pregnancy problems. Birth, 22 (1), 1-12.

Kardong-Edgren, S. (1996). Rethinking the wisdom of antepartum bed rest. American Journal of Nursing, 96(1), 53.

Maloni, J. A., Chance, B., Zhang, C., Cohen, D. B., & Gange, S. J. (1993). Physical and phychosocial side effects of antepartum hospital bed rest. Nursing Research, 42(4), 197-203.

Maloni, J. A., & Ponder, B. M. (1997). Fathers' experience of their partners' antepartum bed rest. Image: Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 29(2), 183-188.

Schroeder, C.A. (1996). Women's experience of bed rest in high-risk pregnancy. Image: Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 28(3), 253-258.

New names for Image and Reflections

To better communicate the purpose of the two permanent Sigma Theta Tau publications, the international board of directors has officially renamed Image to the Journal of Nursing Scholarship and Reflections to Reflections on Nursing Leadership.

New publication Excellence debuted in January. As a member, you will receive this four times a year. The content will be focused on detailed stories in nursing and Sigma Theta Tau International. The new publication will focus on three groups: clinicians, educators, and administrators. Contact Sigma Theta Tau International at 1-888-634-7575 to reserve the version you would like to receive.

Did you know that new members of Sigma Theta Tau International value Global networking and sharing intellectual pursuits?

Do you have an idea for an article? Have you ever believed you had a newsworthy story to tell?

In the Sigma Theta Tau's One-On-One With the Media, criteria have been suggested for judging if a story item is newsworthy. Here are some points to think about before approaching the media.

What kind of an impact will the story have? How many people will it affect? What emotions will it elicit?
Is the central figure or issue one of prominence?
Is the news item important tot he local area?
Is the news item current and timely?
Does the news item reflect a trend?
What conflicts can be described in the story? Ethical decisions and quality of care decisions provide interesting material.
Is there a novelty to the story-a New idea, not a rehashed old one.
Can you provide a visual depiction of the story?- a photo, graph, or chart.
Keep it Simple. Break down complex ideas about health care into small, easily understood ideas.

Patsy Forrest Scholarship Information

A scholarship established in honor of Patsy Forrest, retired MTSU Nursing Faculty member, will be awarded during the Spring Ceremony for Induction of new members.

The purpose of the Scholarship is to recognize outstanding scholarship by qualified nursing students and/or nursing professionals who will advance or have advanced knowledge in the area of nursing science and practice.