The RCN has officially rejoined the International Council of Nurses (ICN), a federation of more than 130 nursing organisations that represents 28 million nurses worldwide.
In 2019 members debated whether the RCN would be more influential globally if it rejoined the ICN, which it left after a member vote at the Annual General Meeting in 2013.
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A survey of RCN members was carried out in 2020 before a formal vote at the 2021 Annual General Meeting, in which 84% of members who voted chose to rejoin.
‘This is a hugely significant day. Our members voted to strengthen our commitment to working closer with colleagues around the world, through membership of the ICN,’ said RCN President and Chair of the RCN International Committee Dr Denise Chaffer.
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‘Being part of the ICN means we will promote our UK nursing expertise around the world. It gives members the opportunity to drive improvements on the issues that matter most, and to share knowledge as well as learning from others. We’ll work together on issues such as humanitarian support, ethical international recruitment, addressing the global shortage of nursing staff, and recovery from the pandemic.’
The ICN meets every two years with the purpose of bringing together nurses from around the world, to advance nursing and influence health policy on a global scale.
‘Our membership of the ICN demonstrates our commitment to building our influence at the highest levels,’ said Chair of RCN Council Carol Popplestone.
“Never has it been more important to demonstrate the expertise and professionalism of nursing staff and our members have a lot to offer the international debate. I look forward to working with the ICN to ensure the voice of nursing is heard around the world.’