Nursing Honor Society Sigma Theta Tau’s Newest Members Hear Sage Advice at Induction Ceremony
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – “You are leaders of your class, and you will most likely become the leaders of your units, the committees you are on, the hospitals, and maybe even one day you could even be the nursing school dean. You will quickly become preceptors, mentors, and charge nurses – but don’t rush it.”
Keynote speaker Dr. Tammy McGarity, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, reflected on her career in nursing for the 29 newest members of the Eta Omicron Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing at the Induction Ceremony on Dec. 13, in the Performing Arts Center. McGarity is a visiting assistant professor who teaches Population Health Nursing and Health Systems Leadership in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CONHS) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
McGarity encouraged the group to ask questions as they rise through the ranks and to not take things personally.
“There will be days where you ask yourself, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ This, too, shall pass. Breathe. Step back and take a breath every once in a while and take a minute for yourself,” she told the group.
McGarity advised the inductees to “develop a reflective practice” by focusing on two simple daily activities: 1) Replay your day, and 2) How can I improve.
“The act of reflection is a great way to increase your confidence and become a more proactive and qualified professional,” McGarity said. “It's not second-guessing; it is reflecting on what happened and learned from the small wins and losses and becoming a better person, nurse, and leader.”
Inductees received a lavender and white honorary cord, along with an inductee ribbon from Eta Omicron Chapter officers. All 29 inductees received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Fall Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 15. They are:
- Erika Alaniz
- Alyssa Badillo
- Kathleen Brown
- Andri Cordova
- Genna Castillo
- Sandra Delaconcha
- Kristi Drzymalla
- Celeste Garcia
- Nicole Garcia
- Arlene Gonzales
- Shawna Grabowski
- Laura Guerin
- Daniel Hernandez
- Jose Hernandez
- Diem Ho
- Natalie Kregel
- Meredith Lee
- Morgan Limerick
- Sarah Lopez
- Jaycie Martinez
- Tiffany Minton
- Melanie Ritchie
- Clariza Salinas
- Amy Schmillen
- Ariel Stephens
- Olivia Thompson
- Lauren Untalan
- Christopher Ware
- Kelani White
