International Nursing Organizations I

The International Council of Nurses (ICN), based in Switzerland, is a union of national nurses' associations representing nurses worldwide. ICN strives to ensure quality nursing care, sound health policies, the advancement of nursing knowledge, and a competent workforce. Individual nurses participate through member organizations that work to advance nursing and healthcare via policies, partnerships, and professional networks.

The nursing code of ethics comprises four core elements: Nurses and Patients (providing culturally appropriate, rights-respecting care), Nurses and Practice (practicing within scope of competence and maintaining professional conduct), Nurses and the Profession (implementing evidence-informed standards and challenging unethical practices), and Nurses and Global Health (valuing healthcare as a human right and collaborating on sound health policies).

ICN addresses critical issues through advocacy campaigns and partnerships with other organizations. For example, the Fight the Fakes campaign encourages nurses to detect and eliminate counterfeit medications. ICN also designs measures to support nurse retention, such as ensuring occupational health and safety policies for staff well-being and collaborating on humanitarian efforts.

ICN delivers leadership training through the Global Nursing Leadership Institute and Leadership for Change program, preparing nurses for leadership roles in hospitals, universities, and other sectors. These programs empower nurses to strengthen national nursing associations and encourage innovative growth policies that secure revenue-generating opportunities for the profession.

ICN partners with organizations like the World Continuing Education Alliance (WCEA) to obtain financial and technical assistance for projects. The WCEA is an online platform offering financial assistance in training healthcare professionals through technology. These collaborations enable ICN to implement campaigns, humanitarian efforts, and professional development initiatives globally.

Under the Nurses and Practice element, nurses must practice within their authorized scope of competence while maintaining professional conduct standards. Nurses are responsible and accountable for ethical practice, act as patient advocates, and maintain fitness to practice. They must uphold professional judgment and relationships with patients and colleagues according to current national laws and regulations.

ICN's work revolves around developing strategies to implement health policies and ensure nurses have a voice in addressing genuine needs of patients, families, and communities. Under the Nurses and Global Health element, nurses recognize social determinants of health and collaborate with other providers to develop sound health policies that promote public health and advance healthcare as a human right.