The International Coalition of Respiratory Nurses (IRCN): development of a curriculum towards advanced nursing education and improvements in care.

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of respiratory nursing expertise worldwide. (1).&nbsp;There are wide variations in the education and practice of respiratory nursing, from country to country.&nbsp;Opportunities for advanced nurse education and enhanced professional roles can drive policy and improvements in population health (1).&nbsp;The ERS Nurse Chair identified the need to explore the need for an international respiratory nursing curriculum and established the&nbsp;The International Coalition of Respiratory Nurses (ICRN). <b>Aim:</b> The aim for Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists (ARNS) was to join ICRN, to champion respiratory nursing, promote excellence in practice, and influence respiratory nursing health policy. <b>Method:</b> The Chair of ARNS Research &amp; Education Committee helped identify respiratory nurses in the United Kingdom, who could assist.&nbsp;Sub-groups were established, including an advisory group, a group to develop and complete a survey of nurses’ views on the need to a curriculum; a sub-group to complete a literature review and a group to undertake a Delphi survey of what should be included in the respiratory nursing curriculum. <b>Results:</b> 21 nurses from the United Kingdom volunteered to participate in the Consortium.&nbsp;Several were involved in supporting the work of the sub-groups and are authors on papers which have been submitted for publication, or are in preparation. <b>Conclusion:</b> ARNS are committed to supporting the development of an International Curriculum, which will hopefully provide a template to enhance respiratory nurse education globally. 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;World Health Organisation. (2020) State of the Worlds Nursing. WHO.