July 10, 2019 | NLN CEO Update on ICN Singapore

I can assure you, colleagues, that there is nothing quite like being one among 5,300 nurses — the excitement and level of enthusiasm are palpable, and the good ideas keep flowing, with, as we like to say at the NLN, purpose, power, and passion. That was certainly our experience June 27 – July 1 at the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress 2019 in Singapore. It is hard to know where to begin in reporting on this overwhelming event.

First, let me emphasize the experience of being among nurses from all parts of the world. What comes across is how alike we are. Although the ICN is a federation of more than 130 national nursing associations, representing the more than 20 million nurses worldwide, there is a universality to nursing and a shared vision for nursing's potential to heal. The theme of the Congress, "Beyond Healthcare to Health," is resonant of the NLN mission, which calls for the promotion of excellence in nursing education "to advance the health of our nation and the global community." As we took part in the many events of the five-day Congress, this basic goal was never far from our thoughts.

Nor was our focus on nursing education. The NLN once again hosted a wonderful reception, co-sponsored with Laerdal Medical, during which we connected with ICN leaders, including President Annette Kennedy and CEO Howard Catton, as well as leaders from nonprofit associations and other groups eager to discuss how we may partner and work together in the future. It is always evident to me that the excellence in nursing education exemplified by the NLN is of great interest to our international colleagues, who are excited by our leadership in innovation for nursing education excellence and our commitment to the advancement of the science of nursing education.

As a member of the Tri-Council for Nursing, we joined with our colleagues in hosting another well-attended and lively reception. Pam Cipriano, my colleague on the Tri-Council as former ANA president, is now a member of the ICN Executive Board as first vice president, and her leadership in the ICN is extremely valuable. And, of course, former CEO of the ICN David Benton is now CEO of the newest TriCouncil member — the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. We were all thrilled when it was announced that Dr. Joyce Fitzpatrick, ANA living legend and editor of the NLN research journal Nursing Education Perspectives, was presented with the International Achievement Award for advancing nursing education through research, innovative conceptual models, and theory development.

Given the overwhelming experience of the ICN conference, I can only touch on a few more high points. One was a session on "Providing Compassionate Care to Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking," with keynote speaker Cindy McCain, widow of the late US Senator and co-chair of the Arizona Governor's Council on Human Trafficking. Mrs. McCain spoke of the importance of educating nurses on signs of human trafficking and encouraging the use of trafficking assessment tools. She urged nurses to be change makers and promote education in this area. Kevin Highland of the UK, a member of the Council of Europe Independent Group of Experts for Trafficking, advocated for the development of strategies to identify victims and increase prevention as a public health issue. We all learned a great deal from these presentations and will ponder our role in this area.

Another essential presentation was a panel on the nursing workforce, the problem of nurse migration, and the state of nursing regulation. Dr. Jim Campbell, director of the Health Workforce Department at the World Health Organization, spoke about the importance of data to support policy dialogue and decision-making around investments in the nursing and midwifery workforces. This was a rich discussion. I'd also like to honor the work of the NLN's very own Chief Governance Officer Linda Christensen, EdD, JD, MSN, RN, CNE, and CNE Director Larry Simmons, PhD, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, for the fine work they did on an electronic poster presentation, "Predictive Content Category Scores for Passing or Failing the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Certification Examination."

One major takeaway from the Congress will be of great interest to all of us in the coming year. Not only is 2020 a leap year, a major election year, the 100^th anniversary of the 19^th amendment giving American women the right to vote, and the 200^th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale — it is also the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, designated as such by the World Health Organization. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement, recognizing the crucial contributions of these professions and highlighting the critical need to address shortages in the workforce — a global problem. I am pleased to quote President Annette Kennedy as she told of her reaction to this designation: "Florence Nightingale used her lamp to illuminate the places where nurses worked, and I hope the designation of 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife will provide us with a new, 20-20 vision of what nursing is in the modern era, and how nurses can light the way to universal health coverage and healthcare for all."

Yes, colleagues, that vision for nursing's future is wonderful. But now I have an intriguing proposition, another last takeaway from the ICN Congress, and you can help. Members of the Korean Nursing Association are asking nurses everywhere to sign a petition calling for the recommendation of two nurses for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020. Nurses Marianne Stöger and Margaritha Pissarek of Austria went to Sorokdo Island, a leper colony off the coast of Korea, in their 20s and spent most of their lives caring for patients with Hansen's disease, caring for patients with dignity and working to put an end to social prejudice. We understand the complexity of nursing and how what nurses do is often invisible to others outside our profession, so wouldn't it be wonderful if this Nobel Peace Prize came to pass? You can learn more and sign the petition by clicking here.

A final thought...I said above that there is nothing quite like being one among 5,300 nurses and I meant it. But you can have a very similar experience when the NLN gathers for our Summit at the National Harbor near Washington, DC. The numbers won't be the same, but your experience surely will be incredible. Join us September 26–28 for the NLN North Star: Purpose, Power & Passion.

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Next Issue of the NLN Member Update: Wednesday, August 7, 2019. View previous issues of NLN Member Update »