ICN President designated Living Legend by American Academy of Nursing

Dr Pamela Cipriano, President of the International Council of Nurses  (ICN) will be officially designated as a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing (Academy) this October.

Dr Cipriano is one of six extraordinary nurse leaders who will receive this honour at the Living Legends Ceremony held during the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, taking place on 5-7 October 2023 in Washington, DC. The other Living Legends are Dr Janice G. Brewington, Dr Martha A.Q. Curley, Dr Mary O’Neil Mundinger, Dr Madeline A. Naegle, and Dr Adeline M. Nyamathi. Each of these incredible nurse leaders exemplify the resolve and ingenuity of the profession and have made significant impacts on health systems and health policy.

Academy President Dr Kenneth R. White, said:

“Each year, the Academy selects exemplars of the profession to be recognized as Living Legends for their outstanding contributions in improving health and advancing the nursing profession as a whole. I am delighted to celebrate these accomplished leaders and visionaries. Recognizing those who have transformed the work we do, particularly during the Academy’s 50th anniversary year, is a truly special honor. This year’s Living Legends have championed equity, diversity, and inclusion to collectively improve the public’s health in America and around the world.”

These remarkable individuals have generated policy change through innovation, science and leadership to advance health equity in the diverse communities they serve. They will be honoured as the 2023 Living Legends, the highest designation of the Academy.

Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, is renowned for her influence and advocacy to raise the voice, visibility and stature of nurses to lead health care delivery, policy development and promotion of health worldwide. Her 40-year career in leadership positions in various organizations spanning academic and practice highlights her commitment to improving care through safe and supportive work environments. Dr. Cipriano has served as Dean of the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Nursing and the Chief Clinical Officer/Chief Nursing Officer at UVA Health, which earned its initial Magnet designation under her leadership. She championed the nation’s four million registered nurses throughout her two terms as President of the American Nurses Association (ANA), during which the ANA established their Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation initiative to improve nurse well-being. She continues to advocate for safe nursing environments and the well-being of the global workforce of 28 million nurses in her current position as President of the International Council of Nurses. Her exceptional ability to link the advancement of the profession to health security, quality of care, economic growth, and improved health outcomes has transformed health delivery.