In this bonus episode of A Nurse First, Sigma president Sandra C. Garmon Bibb shares her incredible career journey and the many firsts she has experienced along the way. From making tremendous decisions to facing challenges head-on, Sandra's story is one of inspiration.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Sigma's new president Sandra C. Garmon Bibb always knew she wanted to be a nurse. Finding out at a young age that her name meant "helper of mankind" solidified the decision for her. Little did she know then though how full circle it would all come as she put pen to paper to develop Sigma’s 2023-2025 organizational call to action.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Katie Foster believes authenticity in healthcare goes beyond personal identity; it is about embodying professionalism, empathy, and dedication to patient well-being. When she reconnected with a patient who didn't recognize her after her transition, Katie was fervently hopeful that her belief would manifest in reality.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Facing challenges and limited funding, Jerry John Nutor's determination and passion for improving healthcare led him to create the Africa Interdisciplinary Health Conference—a platform for healthcare professionals to come together, share ideas, and address the complex health problems facing his continent. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

In nursing, it's not just about being clinically smart, but also emotionally intelligent. The COVID-19 pandemic robbed countless nursing students of their clinical experience—and as an NCLEX tutor, Laura Habighorst has seen the impact on her students’ test scores. With the human element being the difference in exceptional patient care, she’s reworked her tutoring plans to add in the valuable lessons she’s learned both as a nurse and as a patient to help combat this missing piece.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

To address the mental health crisis head-on, Greg Jones opened the first mental health peer respite center in the Pacific Northwest. His theory is this: If as nurses we have the opportunity to make a difference, we are obliged to because nursing is not just a profession. It’s a calling to advocate for those in need and be a beacon of healing and justice. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Anthony Silva dropped out of high school to help his mother pay bills and worked various jobs, including being a medical assistant, before finding a mentor in Dr. Richard de Asla, a foot and ankle surgeon. He offered Anthony a full-time job—and changed his life. Driven by his mentor's encouragement, Anthony became the first registered orthopedic technician in his healthcare system and is now training and inspiring others to do the same.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Catch up on seasons 1 and 2 while we take a break to work on season 3. See you back here in August 2023!Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

During the pandemic, Terri Ann Parnell pivoted her career to launch TAP Wellness Coaching, a program designed to specifically address the unique challenges nurses face in taking care of themselves. With the goal of helping nurses create long-lasting healthy habits, Terri's program focuses not on finding work-life balance but on building resilience and instead, achieving work-life harmony. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Admittedly, Imelda Reyes' path to nursing followed a non-traditional route, joining the Navy and starting in healthcare finance. Now a nurse practitioner and faculty member at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, it was also rather unconventional for her to volunteer as a graduation marshal just a few months after starting her new role. Following the "norm" wasn't what was important. Being there for her students—being part of something bigger—that's what Imelda cares about.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story