ICN webinar highlights role of new Nursing Definitions in strengthening global regulation
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) convened global leaders in regulation, education and policy on 21 April 2026 to explore how its updated Definitions of Nursing and of a Nurse can be embedded into modern regulatory systems.
Opening the webinar which brought together a thousand participants, Dr José Luis Cobos Serrano, ICN President, emphasized the significance of the new definitions at a time of growing complexity in health systems and rising expectations of nurses.
“Definitions are far more than words on a page. They are a compass that helps frame our professional identity and guide the future of nursing.”
A global foundation for the profession
Dr Michelle Gunn, ICN Head of Practice and Regulation, outlined how the definitions provide a shared reference point for understanding nursing across diverse settings, moving beyond fragmented, task-based descriptions.
“The definitions give us a common reference point, a way to clearly say: this is nursing.”
She highlighted their role in linking nursing practice to human rights, professional ethics and regulation, positioning nurses at the centre of people’s experiences of health and care.
A globally developed definition
Professor Jill White, Chair of the ICN Definition of Nursing Project (Australia), explained the extensive global consultation underpinning the new definitions, including literature review, stakeholder engagement and a Delphi expert process.
“This is truly a global, evidence-informed definition. Nurses told us they felt seen for the first time.”
She emphasized that the definitions reflect both the profession’s history and its future, including emerging challenges such as climate change, technology and shifting models of care.
From tasks to capability
Professor Mary Chiarella, nursing and health regulation expert (Australia), challenged traditional task-based models of regulation, arguing for a shift towards capability-based approaches grounded in professional judgement.
“Nursing cannot be understood or regulated as a list of tasks. It is defined by knowledge, judgement and accountability.”
Making definitions operational
From a regulatory systems perspective, Mr Phil Dickison, CEO of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (USA), explained how definitions underpin safe and consistent practice across jurisdictions.
“Without a shared definition, regulators cannot ensure consistent, safe practice across jurisdictions.”
He introduced practical tools such as a “definition gate” to ensure all regulatory decisions align with the purpose and function of nursing.
Implications for education and accreditation
Ms Sun Rae Shin, former ICN Board Member (Republic of Korea), highlighted the need for education systems to align with the expanded scope reflected in the new definitions.
“How we define nursing directly influences what nurses are expected to know and how they are prepared.”
She noted gaps between current curricula and emerging demands, including leadership, digital health and population health.
Strengthening identity and wellbeing
Speaking in Spanish, Mr Felipe Cortés Leddy, Chief Nursing Officer (Chile), emphasized the interconnectedness of regulation, professional identity and nurse wellbeing.
“These are not isolated elements. They form an interdependent system that shapes the sustainability of health systems.”
He highlighted the importance of strong regulatory frameworks alongside investment in working conditions and leadership.
A defining moment for the profession
In closing, Mr Howard Catton, ICN Chief Executive Officer, described the new definitions as a pivotal opportunity for the profession.
“Our failure to define ourselves has allowed others to define us. This is a moment to take control of our profession.”
He called on regulators, educators and policymakers to actively embed the definitions into practice, education and policy frameworks.
The webinar forms part of ICN’s Global Nursing Regulation Forum series, supporting dialogue and collaboration on key issues including scope of practice, capability development and workforce sustainability.
