First Comprehensive Picture of the Global Nursing Workforce  

Geneva, Switzerland;  London, UK, 8 March 2004  ―  The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is carrying out the first systematic investigation of the nursing workforce globally.  The global analysis aims to identify the policy and practice issues and solutions that should be considered by governments, international agencies, employers and professional associations when addressing the supply and utilization of nurses.  The outcome will be a policy paper aimed at key decision makers, highlighting the extent of the global nursing shortage, its main dynamics and regional and country variations.

“The nursing shortage is undermining the goals of health systems globally and challenging our ability to meet the health needs of populations”, explained Judith Oulton, Chief Executive Officer of the International Council of Nurses.  “We need to move quickly in establishing a global picture of the actual situation and the potential solutions.”

The Burdett Trust For Nursing is supporting this timely evaluation of the state of nursing human resources worldwide.  “The Burdett Trust For Nursing is delighted that one of the first major awards it has made is to support such an important global investigation which is likely to bring benefits to nurses, patients and their communities all over the world.  Robust sustainable solutions are needed to meet the fundamental challenges arising from the global shortage of nurses.  These challenges will only become greater as the nursing contribution to healthcare becomes fully recognised worldwide", stated the Trustees.

ICN will be utilizing the expertise of a Reference Group drawn from nursing, health sector planning and human resource development.  Representatives from government, public and private sector employers, education, regulatory authorities, national nursing associations and nurse researchers will also contribute.

The outcomes from this analysis will be used as a backdrop to a high-level Global Nursing Resource Summit scheduled to take place early in 2005.  The Summit will bring together decision makers to discuss the findings and evidence base in order to make sound recommendations related to nursing human resources.

Dr. James Buchan of Queen Margaret University College in the United Kingdom will lead the assessment.  Dr Buchan is a labour economist with extensive experience in nursing workforce analysis.  

Editor’s Note:   

About the International Council of Nurses
The International Council of Nurses is a federation of 125 national nurses' associations representing the millions of nurses worldwide.  Operated by nurses for nurses since 1899, ICN is the international voice of nursing and works to ensure quality care for all and sound health policies globally.

About The Burdett Trust for Nursing
The Burdett Trust For Nursing is an independent charitable Trust named after Sir Henry Burdett KCB, the founder of the Royal National Pension Fund for Nurses (RNPFN).  The Trust was set up in recognition of the foundation, philosophy and structure of the RNPFN.
URL: http://www.burdettnursingtrust.org.uk

ICN/PR04 #01

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