The power and influence of advanced practice nursing on show at landmark ICN conference in Nashville

More than 1,300 advanced practice nurses from over 70 countries gathered in Nashville on Monday for the spectacular opening of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) 14th Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse Network (NP/APN) Conference, the largest global gathering of advanced practice nurses convened by ICN. The conference marks 25 years since the ICN NP/APN Network was founded and the opening ceremony celebrated the extraordinary power advanced nurses have to bring care to all people and build stronger health systems everywhere. The evening showcased the growing influence and impact of advanced practice nursing across health care, policy and society, with messages of support from senior political leaders, nursing leaders and a nurse practitioner musician and storyteller.

Participants heard from US Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, a nurse practitioner who is currently serving in the US House of Representatives and directly shaping policies that promote nurses and advanced practice nursing.
 

Congresswoman Kiggans recognized the vital contributions of APN and brought a a strong message about their importance to patients and populations:

"Nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses are essential to delivering high-quality, accessible care and meeting the evolving health care needs of our communities. To the more than 1,300 nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses joining us from over 70 countries, thank you for your dedication to advancing health care and improving the lives of patients and families around the world."

Hosted in Nashville, known around the world as “Music City”, the ceremony brought nursing and music together in a celebration of connection, hope and shared purpose.

Another highlight came from speaker Tad Worku, a family nurse practitioner and former professional musician.  

In his interactive keynote, “Imagining the Future with Hope”, Worku combined live music and storytelling with reflections on purpose, resilience and the pressures facing nurses and health workers. He encouraged participants to see hope not simply as a feeling, but as something that can be taught, shared and rebuilt, especially among nurses who have provided hope to so many others.

Reflecting on the different forms of leadership represented at the ceremony, ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton said:

“Nursing, like music, extends beyond borders, and it can move, change and touch people in ways for which there are no words. From a nurse practitioner shaping policy in the US Congress to a nurse-practitioner-musician inspiring us through storytelling and song, today’s opening ceremony has demonstrated the extraordinary reach, depth and influence of advanced practice nursing.”

The ceremony also reflected the powerful contribution of women’s leadership to the development of advanced practice nursing. In a profession in which women make up 85% of the workforce, advanced practice roles provide an important pathway through which nurses can deepen their clinical expertise, lead services, influence policy and help shape the future of health care. Conference Chair April Kapu; Daniela Lehwaldt, Chair of the ICN NP/APN Network; Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, President of the American Nurses Association; and Pam Jeffries, Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, all delivered remarks on the power of APN leadership, innovation, and international collaboration.

Building on these messages of leadership and collective action, ICN President José Luis Cobos Serrano delivered a video address highlighting the significance of the conference theme, “Advanced Practice Nurses: United for Global Impact, Innovation, and Care”. Dr Cobos Serrano said:

“Investment, impact, innovation and care are all important words for this conference. But I think the key word is unity. For it is only by being united that we can raise our collective voice to make sure that the power of advanced practice nursing is fully recognized and enabled.”

ICN Board member Sylvain Brousseau also gave remarks discussing the evolution of advanced practice nursing from the creation of the world’s first nurse practitioner programme in 1965 and highlighting its global impact today. He said: 

"Advancing APN is advancing health. The real issue is whether a person living in a rural community can receive timely primary care. Whether someone with diabetes, heart disease or cancer can receive coordinated care close to home. Whether a child can access essential services. Whether a patient requiring surgery can access safe anesthesia. Evidence has shown time and again that advanced practice nurses can provide the solutions to these challenges.”

Participants also received welcomes from several public and institutional leaders, including Governor Bill Lee, Senator Marsha Blackburn and Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier.

Over the coming days, delegates will hear a keynote address from Howard Catton and plenary presentations from international nursing and health leaders. Hundreds of presentations, workshops and discussions will explore digital health and artificial intelligence, health equity, advanced practice leadership, education, regulation, innovative practice models and patient outcomes.

By bringing together leading advanced practice nurses from every region of the world, the conference is building the evidence, connections and collective voice needed to remove barriers, expand advanced practice roles and bring high-quality care closer to every person and community.