Sigma Chapter Structure Models

In this model, one school of nursing works by itself to start a new chapter that is centered at its institution of higher education.

Benefits of choosing this model include:

• Fewer logistical issues for meetings and events
• Easier to track financial matters
• School has own chapter identity

Challenges to choosing this model include:

• Smaller membership
• Few potential volunteers/chapter leaders
• Less financial resources

To start a new chapter with one school of nursing, groups shall progress through each phase of development, systematically completing all tasks outlined with each phase of development. After completion of phases 1, 2, and 3, groups pursing chapter charter status must complete the New Chapter Charter online application as part of the phase 4 process.

In this model, two or more schools of nursing work together to start one chapter. Sigma calls this chapter model an at-large chapter. In some areas or countries, two or more schools of nursing may find it beneficial to join to form one Sigma chapter. There is no limit to the number of schools that can collaborate within one at-Large chapter.

Note: Schools of nursing that have more than one campus can only create an at-Large chapter with the other campuses that have their own school of nursing dean/head of program. Otherwise, the campuses would be all combined in one regular chapter.

Examples of an at-large chapter:

• Two or more small schools of nursing who join to meet the minimum number of members to form a chapter.
• All schools of nursing within a country who join to involve all nurses and utilize as many resources as possible.
• Two or more schools of nursing in different countries, but who are in close geographical proximity and wish to collaborate to form an at-large chapter.

Benefits to choosing this model include:

• Larger membership
• More potential volunteers/chapter leaders
• More financial resources

Challenges to this model include:

• Involving nurses from various institutions of higher education, practice settings, and locations may take more coordination for communication, meetings, and events.
• Depending on the distance from each institution of higher education or practice setting, meetings and events may need to be held at each location.
• Some members may not want to participate in activities that involve significant travel away from their own school.

To start a new at-large chapter, the group shall progress through each phase of development, systematically completing all tasks outlined within each phase of development. After completion of phases 1, 2, and 3, groups pursing chapter charter status must complete the New At-Large Chapter Charter online application as part of the phase 4 process.

In this model, an institution of higher education may partner with a practice setting to form a new at-Large chapter.

In some areas or countries, one of more institution of higher education and practice setting may find it beneficial to join to form one Sigma chapter. There is no limit to the number of schools and practice settings that can collaborate to form one new at-large chapter.

Practice setting minimum requirements:

• A practice setting is an entity where professional registered nursing is practiced.
• Practice setting must be accredited by an appropriating body recognized by the Sigma Governance Committee.
• Practice setting administration and chief nursing officials must agree to support a Sigma chapter at the institution of higher education.

Institution of higher education requirements:

• Institution of higher education grants a minimum a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in nursing.
• School’s nursing programs are accredited by an appropriate accrediting body recognized by the Sigma Governance Committee.
• Obtained support from the institution of higher education and the educational unit with the nursing program for a Sigma chapter.

Benefits to choosing this model include:

• Offers students and members greater access to nursing leaders in the community.
• Helps foster greater collaboration between the groups.
• Increases the visibility of Sigma in the workplace.
• Promotes engagement, satisfaction, and retention of clinical nurses.
• Formalizes an already existing partnership between the two groups.

Challenges to choosing this model include:

• Higher level of communication and coordination to reach all members.
• Ability to offer diverse programming for all levels of nursing through a variety of processes.
• Decreases member participation if there is a significant distance between school and practice setting.

To start a new at-large chapter with an institution of higher education and practice setting, groups shall progress through each phase of development, systematically completing all tasks outlined within each phase of development. After completion of phases 1, 2, and 3, groups pursing a chapter charter must complete the New At-Large Chapter Charter online application as part of the phase 4 process.

In this model, one or more practice setting(s) works by itself to start a new chapter.

Benefits of choosing this model include:

• Promotes engagement, satisfaction, and retention of clinical nurses.
• Increases networking opportunities with members of similar interest, which increases engagement and fosters community within the hospital setting.
• Increases the visibility of Sigma in the workplace.
• Enhances professional activities that are unique to the practice setting.
• Offers a unique opportunity for nurses to receive recognition and education in the workplace.

Challenges to choosing this model include:

• Involves high levels of coordination for communication and member engagement due to members work schedules.
• Coordination of meeting and event locations if the practice setting has multiple sites.
• Providing diverse programming for all levels, types, and specialties of nurses. 

To start a new chapter with one or more practice setting(s), groups shall progress through each phase of development, systematically completing all tasks outlined with each phase of development. After completion of phases 1, 2, and 3, groups pursuing chapter charter status must complete the New Chapter Charter online application as part of the phase 4 process.