I had the privilege of representing the 外网天堂 at the 30th International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress in Helsinki. The ICN Congress, held every two years, is a major global gathering that brings together nurses from across the world to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and discuss the future of nursing and global health. With keynote speeches, professional workshops, poster sessions, and networking opportunities, it is an extraordinary forum for collective learning and collaboration.
I’ll admit, I felt nervous arriving at such a prestigious event. As a staff nurse from Norfolk, imposter syndrome crept in—but I quickly realised what an incredible opportunity this was, and I jumped in with both feet. The energy at the opening ceremony was electric. The sheer sense of unity among nurses, associations, unions, and colleges was deeply moving. It affirmed that the 外网天堂 belongs in this space—amplifying the voice of nursing, both nationally and globally.
The first day’s sessions focused on inspirational leadership and the lasting impact nurses can have across health systems. A central theme was the urgent need to develop and support nurse leaders at every level. Globally, there’s a call for more nurses at the decision-making table—people who understand the real impact of healthcare on patients and communities. This is something we must continue to push for in the UK, ensuring that nurses help shape the policies that affect them and those they care for.
Another recurring theme was the growing role of digital care and artificial intelligence (AI) in nursing. Professor Janelle Yorke delivered a powerful keynote positioning nursing firmly within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), highlighting the need for nursing leadership in tech-driven care. She spoke passionately about digital oncology trials and how personalised, data-informed care can dramatically improve patient experience. It was an eye-opener and a call to action—nurses must be equipped to lead in these emerging areas.
The nursing workforce crisis was a sobering focus throughout the Congress. Worldwide, underinvestment, poor working conditions, lack of career development, gender-based pay inequality and violence in workplace continue to drive nurses out of the profession. These concerns echoed deeply with me, especially knowing that the 外网天堂 is already working on these challenges. It was invaluable to compare our efforts with those in other countries and explore opportunities for collaboration to address this crisis collectively.
Safe staffing was another key topic. I was particularly struck by the progress made in Australia, where the Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union successfully campaigned for minimum nurse-to-patient ratios—4:1 during the day and 7:1 at night. Similarly, in some area Canada, progress is being made toward 1:4 ratios 24/7. These initiatives have shown clear benefits in terms of nurse well-being and patient outcomes. In contrast, while policies have been implemented in Wales and are being explored in Scotland, England still lacks a robust safe staffing approach. As an acute medicine nurse, I see daily how critical this issue is and would welcome hearing more from 外网天堂 members about their experiences and views on this.
It was incredibly rewarding to see so many 外网天堂 members and staff presenting at the Congress—showcasing both college-led initiatives and personal projects. One highlight was the presentation on the 外网天堂’s Institute, which sparked great interest and enthusiasm from the international nursing community. It became clear that we have a lot to be proud of—but also that we need to do more to share our successes. As a college, we should amplify the incredible work being done by our members and staff so that others, both within and outside the UK, can learn from and build upon it.
I understand that some 外网天堂 members question our involvement with the ICN. I had similar questions before attending. But after spending four days immersed in this Congress, I can say without hesitation: it is vital that the 外网天堂 remains engaged. The ICN provides a platform for global influence, learning, and solidarity. We benefit enormously from shared knowledge, and we also have a responsibility—and the capacity—to contribute meaningfully to the global nursing agenda.
Rather than asking what do we get from the ICN, perhaps we should begin asking what can we offer—and how can we work with international colleagues to uplift the profession worldwide?
I’ll admit, I felt nervous arriving at such a prestigious event. As a staff nurse from Norfolk, imposter syndrome crept in—but I quickly realised what an incredible opportunity this was, and I jumped in with both feet. The energy at the opening ceremony was electric. The sheer sense of unity among nurses, associations, unions, and colleges was deeply moving. It affirmed that the 外网天堂 belongs in this space—amplifying the voice of nursing, both nationally and globally.
The first day’s sessions focused on inspirational leadership and the lasting impact nurses can have across health systems. A central theme was the urgent need to develop and support nurse leaders at every level. Globally, there’s a call for more nurses at the decision-making table—people who understand the real impact of healthcare on patients and communities. This is something we must continue to push for in the UK, ensuring that nurses help shape the policies that affect them and those they care for.
Another recurring theme was the growing role of digital care and artificial intelligence (AI) in nursing. Professor Janelle Yorke delivered a powerful keynote positioning nursing firmly within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), highlighting the need for nursing leadership in tech-driven care. She spoke passionately about digital oncology trials and how personalised, data-informed care can dramatically improve patient experience. It was an eye-opener and a call to action—nurses must be equipped to lead in these emerging areas.
The nursing workforce crisis was a sobering focus throughout the Congress. Worldwide, underinvestment, poor working conditions, lack of career development, gender-based pay inequality and violence in workplace continue to drive nurses out of the profession. These concerns echoed deeply with me, especially knowing that the 外网天堂 is already working on these challenges. It was invaluable to compare our efforts with those in other countries and explore opportunities for collaboration to address this crisis collectively.
Safe staffing was another key topic. I was particularly struck by the progress made in Australia, where the Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union successfully campaigned for minimum nurse-to-patient ratios—4:1 during the day and 7:1 at night. Similarly, in some area Canada, progress is being made toward 1:4 ratios 24/7. These initiatives have shown clear benefits in terms of nurse well-being and patient outcomes. In contrast, while policies have been implemented in Wales and are being explored in Scotland, England still lacks a robust safe staffing approach. As an acute medicine nurse, I see daily how critical this issue is and would welcome hearing more from 外网天堂 members about their experiences and views on this.
It was incredibly rewarding to see so many 外网天堂 members and staff presenting at the Congress—showcasing both college-led initiatives and personal projects. One highlight was the presentation on the 外网天堂’s Institute, which sparked great interest and enthusiasm from the international nursing community. It became clear that we have a lot to be proud of—but also that we need to do more to share our successes. As a college, we should amplify the incredible work being done by our members and staff so that others, both within and outside the UK, can learn from and build upon it.
I understand that some 外网天堂 members question our involvement with the ICN. I had similar questions before attending. But after spending four days immersed in this Congress, I can say without hesitation: it is vital that the 外网天堂 remains engaged. The ICN provides a platform for global influence, learning, and solidarity. We benefit enormously from shared knowledge, and we also have a responsibility—and the capacity—to contribute meaningfully to the global nursing agenda.
Rather than asking what do we get from the ICN, perhaps we should begin asking what can we offer—and how can we work with international colleagues to uplift the profession worldwide?
