The mission of Sigma is to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Based on this mission, Theta Epsilon’s Nursing Excellence Awards were created in 2017. These awards are given to 1-3 members a year, depending on the number of nominations received, and each recipient receives a monetary prize. The award categories are Scholarship, Leadership, and Service.
Applications open each year from April 1st to May 21st. Self-nominations are accepted. The winners are announced yearly at Theta Epsilon’s Spring General Meeting. Click here for more information on our General Excellence Awards.
In 2020, we had three winners of the Theta Epsilon Nursing Excellence in Leadership Award. One of these winners was Kate Dorminy. Dorminy took the time to answer some questions about nursing, leadership, and the impact of COVID-19.
-How long have you been a Sigma member? Since 2010
-How long have you a nurse? Since 2006
-What does leadership mean to you? Leadership has become a skillset that I have learned to appreciate more and more throughout my career. I’ve experienced great leaders and not-so great-leaders in my profession. I’ve noticed that one isn’t always prepared or ready depending on the challenge at hand. However, a true leader will do the best with what they have, know, and can in efforts to elevate the situation, outcome or team for the better. Being a Nurse Leader has been one of the most consuming and yet rewarding callings of my life.
-Has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your views on leadership, or impacted how you lead others? I believe the challenges of COVID have
compelled ALL nurses to assume their role of being a leader, whether in a formal position of leadership or not. Our country and the world watched as nurses everywhere showed courage, strength, and dedication through uncertain times. That is a leader!
-What inspires you? Right now it’s mainly my nursing students as they embark as future nurses. What a privilege it is to guide someone through a transition that is so significant. My nursing colleagues both old and new inspire me every day and certainly support me through my own professional journeys. Also, my God and family; I certainly couldn’t do anything good without their strength and perspective.
-What advice do you have for other Theta Epsilon members who want to become more involved in leadership
roles and activities? Getting involved means saying ‘yes’ and ‘thank you’ to the smallest of tasks and to the most complicated challenges. I got comfortable to saying ‘yes’ and ‘thank you’ even though many a time I didn’t feel adequate or able. If an experience aligns with your passions and priorities – go for it! You never know where the next ‘yes’ and ‘thank you’ may lead you.