A final word

Abstract

I write this last Inside View with only what can be described as a jumble of emotions. I am astonished that 12 and a half years have passed so quickly and delighted that the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has grown stronger each year under the strategic guidance of the Council of National Representatives (CNR), wise ICN Boards and a highly-talented headquarters staff. Watching nursing move into higher education and closer to realising its potential in many countries has been terrific. It has been a real high for me to have been associated with ICN and the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNIF) programs such as leadership, the Mobile Library, the Girl Child project, TB, and the Wellness Centres, to name only a few. I enjoyed being part of FNIF's renaissance. I feel incredibly privileged to know and have worked with nurse leaders on all continents (Antarctica aside). I have learned from each of you and have been so impressed with what you accomplish, often against great odds. I have learned that the United Nations system is in need of real re-design and I am saddened that the voice of the health professions remains unheard or unheeded, despite the current dearth of health professionals. Lip service will not suffice in the long run. I am confident that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will continue to play a key role in global health and that the health professions, working together, will achieve much. I am proud of the interdisciplinary achievements we have made. I am keen to see what comes next. It has been deeply satisfying to watch national nurses associations (NNAs) working together, both in North-South and South-South relationships, and to see all grow stronger because of it. I am disappointed that nursing within the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to shrink; but I accept that increasing nursing's presence cannot be accomplished by ICN alone. It needs the combined effort of WHO staff and external champions, such as ICN. My greatest anxiety lies with ICN's future and whether we will be bold enough to achieve the vision. I have watched other international NGOs open their doors to multiple memberships and become stronger because of it. I hope the NNAs and CNR will have the courage to do the same. Otherwise I fear that parallel regulatory and union organisations will flourish, and that ICN's mandate, numbers and influence will shrink concomitantly. ICN was created 109 years ago to establish and sustain high standards in education and practice globally; this can only be achieved in today's complex environment by being inclusive, rather than exclusive. Strategic alliances and partnerships are the way forward. It is indeed painful to leave ICN but it is easier knowing the Board has selected a strong nurse leader in David Benton, the new Chief Executive Officer. He has an excellent team, and his leadership skills and experience are right for ICN at this time. I know you will work well together. I am still not sure what is next for me – what to be when I grow up – but ICN and international nursing will remain firmly fixed in my sights. I implore you to nurture both. I wish each of you much success and thank you profoundly for your leadership and fellowship.