Home  About The International Council of Nurses

 

ICN's Mission:

To represent nursing worldwide, advancing the profession
and influencing health policy.

The International Council of Nurses is a federation of national nurses’ associations (NNAs), representing nurses in more than 128 countries. Founded in 1899, ICN is the world’s first and widest reaching international organisation for health professionals.  Operated by nurses for nurses, ICN works to ensure quality nursing care for all, sound health policies globally, the advancement of nursing knowledge, and the presence worldwide of a respected nursing profession and a competent and satisfied nursing workforce.

ICN Goals and Values

Three goals and five core values guide and motivate all ICN activities. 

The three goals are:

•    to bring nursing together worldwide;
•    to advance nurses and nursing worldwide;
•    to influence health policy.

The five core values are:

•    Visionary Leadership
•    Inclusiveness
•    Flexibility
•    Partnership
•    Achievement.

The ICN Code for Nurses is the foundation for ethical nursing practice throughout the world. ICN standards, guidelines and policies for nursing practice, education, management, research and socio-economic welfare are accepted globally as the basis of nursing policy.

ICN advances nursing, nurses and health through its policies, partnerships, advocacy, leadership development, networks, congresses, special projects, and by its work in the arenas of professional practice, regulation and socio-economic welfare. ICN is particularly active in:

Professional Nursing Practice

• International classification for nursing practice - ICNP^®
• Advanced nursing practice
• Entrepreneurship
• HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria
• Women’s health
• Primary health care
• Family health
• Safe water

Nursing Regulation

• Regulation and Credentialing
• Code of ethics, standards and competencies
• Continuing education

Socio-economic Welfare for Nurses 

• Occupational health and safety
• Human resources planning and policy
• Remuneration
• Career development
• International trade in professional services

Our partnerships and strategic alliances with governmental and non-governmental agencies, foundations, regional groups, national associations, and individuals, assist ICN in advancing nursing worldwide.

ICN is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. For further information on ICN structure, publications and activities, please visit our Web site map.

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