Other Titles
Rapid Presentation Round
Abstract
Clinical instruction in nursing programs is essential for developing foundational skills and competencies, yet it cannot encompass the full breadth of specialties within the nursing profession. Given the vast and diverse scope of nursing practice, students may not have the opportunity to explore or engage with all the varied fields in which nurses work. This limitation often leaves students with a narrow understanding of the many career paths available within nursing (Milsom & Coughlin, 2015). Providing mentorship, fostering networking, and exposing students to diverse specialties are crucial to bridging this gap and preparing future nurses for the wide-ranging roles within the profession (Canzan et. al, 2022; Shaver & Viveiros, 2024).
The purpose of this annual event, sponsored by Sigma Chapter Iota-Phi, is to connect nursing students with local nurses who practice in a wide array of specialties and clinical backgrounds. The program is designed to broaden students' perspectives and understanding of the profession as well as, to enrich their education by raising awareness of the diverse career opportunities available. Through a round-robin style discussion, students engage directly with nurses working in distinct areas such as pediatrics, oncology, critical care, public health, and more. This interactive format fosters meaningful networking, provides mentorship, and highlights the diverse opportunities within the nursing profession. Students gain valuable insights into different fields, which can inspire career exploration and inform their future decisions. By connecting with experienced professionals, students are supported in their personal and professional development, building confidence and cultivating relationships that can last throughout their careers. Ultimately, the program seeks to reduce voluntary attrition, both during nursing school and as new graduates, by fostering a deeper connection to the profession and its varied career paths (Canzan et al., 2022; Shaver & Viveiros, 2024).
The slide deck contains a link to a complete set of planning tools, templates and examples to help your Sigma chapter or institution host a Round-Robin discussion. It is displayed here for ease of access: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/mobile/folders/1BxdPa0z0GDkfL394WCPisj7lCcM8acPt?usp=sharing&pli=1
Notes
References:
Canzan, F., Saiani, L., Mezzalira, E., Allegrini, E., Caliaro, A., & Ambrosi, E. (2022). Why do nursing students leave bachelor program? Findings from a qualitative descriptive study. BMC Nursing, 21(1), 71. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-022-00851-z
Milsom, A., & Coughlin, J. (2015). Satisfaction with college major: A grounded theory study. NACADA Journal, 35(2), 5–14. https://doi.org/10.12930/NACADA-14-026
Shaver, D. E., & Viveiros, J. D. (2024). Voluntary attrition among traditional baccalaureate nursing students: An integrative review. Nursing Education Perspectives 45(3):150-154. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001215
Sigma Membership
Iota Phi at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Mentoring and Coaching, Transition to Practice, Onboarding, Academic-clinical Partnership, Nursing Education, Advances in Education, Nursing Specialties
Recommended Citation
Shaver, Danielle E. and Briere, Heather L., "Exploring Diverse Nursing Specialties: A Round-Robin Discussion with SIGMA Iota-Phi Nurses" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 164.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/164
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-12-04
Exploring Diverse Nursing Specialties: A Round-Robin Discussion with SIGMA Iota-Phi Nurses
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Clinical instruction in nursing programs is essential for developing foundational skills and competencies, yet it cannot encompass the full breadth of specialties within the nursing profession. Given the vast and diverse scope of nursing practice, students may not have the opportunity to explore or engage with all the varied fields in which nurses work. This limitation often leaves students with a narrow understanding of the many career paths available within nursing (Milsom & Coughlin, 2015). Providing mentorship, fostering networking, and exposing students to diverse specialties are crucial to bridging this gap and preparing future nurses for the wide-ranging roles within the profession (Canzan et. al, 2022; Shaver & Viveiros, 2024).
The purpose of this annual event, sponsored by Sigma Chapter Iota-Phi, is to connect nursing students with local nurses who practice in a wide array of specialties and clinical backgrounds. The program is designed to broaden students' perspectives and understanding of the profession as well as, to enrich their education by raising awareness of the diverse career opportunities available. Through a round-robin style discussion, students engage directly with nurses working in distinct areas such as pediatrics, oncology, critical care, public health, and more. This interactive format fosters meaningful networking, provides mentorship, and highlights the diverse opportunities within the nursing profession. Students gain valuable insights into different fields, which can inspire career exploration and inform their future decisions. By connecting with experienced professionals, students are supported in their personal and professional development, building confidence and cultivating relationships that can last throughout their careers. Ultimately, the program seeks to reduce voluntary attrition, both during nursing school and as new graduates, by fostering a deeper connection to the profession and its varied career paths (Canzan et al., 2022; Shaver & Viveiros, 2024).
The slide deck contains a link to a complete set of planning tools, templates and examples to help your Sigma chapter or institution host a Round-Robin discussion. It is displayed here for ease of access: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/mobile/folders/1BxdPa0z0GDkfL394WCPisj7lCcM8acPt?usp=sharing&pli=1
Description
Clinical instruction in nursing programs often leave students with a limited understanding of career paths (Milsom & Coughlin, 2015). Sponsored by Sigma Chapter Iota-Phi, this annual event connects students with nurses from diverse specialties, broadening their perspectives & raises awareness of career opportunities. Through mentorship & networking, the program aims to reduce attrition and foster lasting connections to the profession (Canzan et al., 2022; Shaver & Viveiros, 2024).