International Council of Nurses
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 140 national nurses associations (NNAs), representing the more than 30 million nurses worldwide. Founded in 1899, ICN is the world’s first and widest reaching international organisation for health professionals. Operated by nurses and leading nurses internationally, 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.
News
ICN launches Learning Hub to make global nursing knowledge available to nurses everywhere
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has launched the new ICN Learning Hub, making outstanding learning, evidence and good practice from the ICN Congress available to nurses around the world.
30 July 2026
Remembering the life and legacy of Dr Barbara L. Nichols
It is with profound sadness that the International Council of Nurses (ICN) marks the passing of Barbara L. Nichols, DL(h), DSc(h), PedD(h), MSN, RN, FAAN, a pioneering nurse leader, advocate for equity, and global champion of the nursing profession whose influence helped shape nursing leadership and opened doors for generations of nurses around the world.
27 July 2026
Following WHO Global Cancer Report, international nursing and palliative care leaders call for urgent workforce investment for rising cancer needs
Based on the evidence in WHO’s recent Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, the International Council of Nurses (ICN), International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) and International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) urge leaders to invest in and protect the nursing and health workforce to urgently strengthen health systems and improve cancer outcomes across the full continuum of care.
24 July 2026
Austrian national media highlight ICN's calls for stronger community nursing and workforce planning
National and regional media coverage in Austria has amplified key International Council of Nurses (ICN) messages on the urgent need to strengthen community and primary care nursing, improve workforce planning, and ensure nurses are educated, deployed and empowered in the places where people need them most.
17 July 2026
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ICN Leadership Centre
ICN launches Learning Hub to make global nursing knowledge available to nurses everywhere
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has launched the new ICN Learning Hub, making outstanding learning, evidence and good practice from the ICN Congress available to nurses around the world.
30 July 2026
-
Remembering the life and legacy of Dr Barbara L. Nichols
It is with profound sadness that the International Council of Nurses (ICN) marks the passing of Barbara L. Nichols, DL(h), DSc(h), PedD(h), MSN, RN, FAAN, a pioneering nurse leader, advocate for equity, and global champion of the nursing profession whose influence helped shape nursing leadership and opened doors for generations of nurses around the world.
27 July 2026
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WHO
Following WHO Global Cancer Report, international nursing and palliative care leaders call for urgent workforce investment for rising cancer needs
Based on the evidence in WHO’s recent Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, the International Council of Nurses (ICN), International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) and International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) urge leaders to invest in and protect the nursing and health workforce to urgently strengthen health systems and improve cancer outcomes across the full continuum of care.
24 July 2026
-
Austrian national media highlight ICN's calls for stronger community nursing and workforce planning
National and regional media coverage in Austria has amplified key International Council of Nurses (ICN) messages on the urgent need to strengthen community and primary care nursing, improve workforce planning, and ensure nurses are educated, deployed and empowered in the places where people need them most.
17 July 2026