5/5/2011

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) conference start today but yesterday running in parallel with the Council of National Representatives (CNR) business meeting was the student assembly. The student assembly was hosted by the Maltese students and was an opportunity to discuss and share issues affecting nursing students globally.

The title of the student assembly was “Are nursing student’s scientists.” There were presentations on mentorship, assessment of practice, the image of nursing, diversity and the transition from student to staff nurse. There was student input from countries including USA, Denmark, Korea, Brazil, South Africa and not one to shy away from voicing my opinion, I gave the UK perspective. What was reassuring was that we all face the same problems and have the same issues. What was inspiring was the distance the status and educational standards of nursing education had come in many countries in terms of gaining recognition for its own knowledge base as well as vocational skills.

Yesterday evening was the opening ceremony which was a colourful spectacle of national flags and national dress from 66 different countries throughout the world. The delegation was honoured to welcome the Prime Minister of Malta who gave thanks to the nurses in Malta for their hard work and commitment to the health of the country that is nicknamed “The Nurse of the Mediterranean”.

There is a full and interesting agenda planned for today but the one of student interest that I will report back on tomorrow is on bridging the gap between theory and practice and the transition between student and staff nurse.

And this evening the RCN will welcome UK delegates to a reception to meet the President, the Chief Executive and General Secretary and Chair of Council as well as the council members present.

Looking forward to the day ahead, learning from colleagues and sharing ideas and solutions.