Chicago Heights, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Prairie State College (PSC) founded the first nursing honor society for community colleges, and now others are following in the college’s footsteps.
The Illinois Organization of Associate Degree Nursing has established a statewide honor society modeled after the PSC Nursing Honorary Society.
This is the first statewide honor society established for associate degree nursing programs taught in a community college setting. If the program is successful in Illinois, it will be presented for possible adoption to the National Association for Associate Degree Nursing so chapters can be established nationwide.
Gwen Dean, dean of health professions and director of nursing, founded the PSC Nursing Honorary Society 10 years ago.
"While there was an honor society for community college students (Phi Theta Kappa) and one for nurses who earn a baccalaureate degree (Sigma Theta Tau), there wasn’t one for nurses who earn an associate degree," said Dean. "We created our own honor society 10 years ago to formally recognize the hard work of our nursing students and are thrilled that students throughout Illinois also can be formally recognized for their dedication to nursing."
Dean was given the opportunity to name the honor society. She chose Alpha Delta Nu. ADN is the abbreviation for Associate Degree Nursing. PSC will be the alpha chapter. Most fraternities and sororities in the U.S. identify their chapters using the Greek alphabet, and name them according to the order that they are established. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet.
"It’s very gratifying to see something that was originally established at PSC potentially be sponsored through a national organization," said Dean. "Our honor society recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. It’s only fitting that the honor society expands on such a momentous anniversary."
