International Council of Nurses

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 130 national nursing associations, representing the millions of nurses worldwide. Founded in 1899, ICN is the world's first and widest-reaching international organization for health professionals. The ICN works to ensure quality nursing care for all, sound health policies globally, the advancement of nursing knowledge, and the presence worldwide of a respected nursing profession and a competent and satisfied nursing workforce.

History

The ICN was established in 1899 by Ethel Gordon Fenwick, a British nurse who was a pioneer in the field of professional nursing. The organization was created to unite nurses from different countries and to promote the advancement of the nursing profession on a global scale.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the ICN is to represent nursing worldwide, advance the nursing profession, promote the well-being of nurses, and advocate for health in all policies. The ICN's objectives include:

• Promoting the health of populations
• Advancing the nursing profession
• Influencing health policy
• Supporting the development of strong national nursing associations

Structure

The ICN is governed by a Council of National Representatives (CNR), which is composed of representatives from each member association. The CNR meets biennially to set the strategic direction of the organization. The ICN also has a Board of Directors, which is responsible for the administration and management of the organization between CNR meetings.

Key Activities

The ICN engages in a variety of activities to achieve its mission and objectives, including:

• Advocacy and lobbying at the international level
• Development of policy statements and position papers
• Organization of international conferences and events
• Provision of educational resources and professional development opportunities
• Collaboration with other international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO)

Publications

The ICN publishes a range of materials to support the nursing profession, including the International Nursing Review, a peer-reviewed journal that covers a wide range of topics related to nursing and health care.

Membership

Membership in the ICN is open to national nursing associations that meet the organization's criteria for membership. Each member association represents the nurses of its country and works in collaboration with the ICN to advance the profession globally.

See Also

• Nursing
• World Health Organization
• International Labour Organization
• Council of National Representatives