The International Council of Nurses (ICN), founded in 1899, is the oldest international professional organization in the health care field. For nearly a century this organization served as the worldwide voice of the nursing profession. In structure it is a non-governmental federation of national nurses` associations from 98 countries, representing nurses who are members of constituent organizations.
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| International Council of Nurses |
The ICN, run by nurses for nurses, enables nurses from diverse backgrounds to exchange information of clinical and general interest and to explore nursing issues. Sharing is accomplished through seminars, publications, and meetings. Quadrennial congresses are conducted in various countries and provide unique and stimulating experiences. All nurses worldwide are invited to attend, although only those belonging to national nurses` associations may present papers.
Publications of the ICN provide news and useful knowledge about nursing. The International Nursing Review, published bimonthly, is the official journal. Other publications such as Guidelines for Public Policy Development Related to Health, Guidelines for Nurses Applying for Senior Positions provide directions for advancing the nursing profession. The Caring for the Carers series was developed to help nurses deal with a variety of work situations.
Three major contributions to nursing made by the ICN are as follows :
a. An internationally accepted definition of nursing
b. A code of ethics
c. The document on Conditions of work and life of nursing personnel, which was adopted the International Labor Organization.
In addition the ICN advances the profession by supporting education through the Florence Nightingale International Foundation and the ICN/3M Nursing Fellowship program, which awards three fellowships annually for advanced studies.
Reference :
Grace L. Deloughery, 1991, Issues and Trends in Nursing, Mosby Year Book, St. Louis, Missouri.
