ICN webinar Current role of new Nursing Definitions in Strengthening Global Regulation
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
ICN webinar Significant Highlights
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) recently hosted a global webinar highlighting the importance of its newly updated Definitions of Nursing and of a Nurse, and their role in strengthening modern regulatory frameworks.
Global Webinar on Nursing Definitions
Held on 21 April 2026, the session brought together leaders in regulation, education, and health policy from around the world to discuss how these updated definitions can be effectively integrated into today’s evolving healthcare systems.
Opening Remarks – José Luis Cobos Serrano
ICN President emphasized the importance of clear and contemporary definitions in a time of increasing healthcare complexity and expanding expectations of the nursing profession. He noted that definitions play a critical role in shaping professional identity and guiding the future direction of nursing.
A Unified Global Perspective – Michelle Gunn
She explained that the updated definitions provide a consistent global reference point, helping to unify how nursing is understood across different countries and care settings. Rather than focusing on fragmented or task-based roles, the definitions emphasize nursing as a comprehensive, patient-centered profession grounded in ethics, human rights, and professional accountability.
Developed Through Global Collaboration – Jill White
The definitions were developed through an extensive international consultation process, including literature reviews, stakeholder engagement, and expert consensus methodologies. This ensures the outcome reflects both evidence and the lived experiences of nurses worldwide, while also addressing future challenges such as technological advancement and evolving care models.
Shifting Beyond Task-Based Regulation – Mary Chiarella
She highlighted the need to move away from traditional task-oriented regulatory approaches, emphasizing that nursing practice is defined by clinical judgment, knowledge, and accountability rather than a checklist of duties.
Turning Definitions into Practice – Phil Dickison
From a regulatory perspective, he discussed how clear definitions support consistency and patient safety across jurisdictions, and shared practical approaches to ensure alignment between regulatory decisions and the core purpose of nursing.
Impact on Education and Training – Sun Rae Shin
She highlighted that how nursing is defined directly influences education systems, shaping curricula and competency expectations. She stressed the importance of aligning training with emerging areas such as leadership, digital health, and population-based care.
Supporting Professional Identity and Wellbeing – Felipe Cortés Leddy
He emphasized that regulation, professional identity, and workforce wellbeing are closely interconnected, contributing collectively to the sustainability and resilience of healthcare systems.
A Milestone for the Profession – Howard Catton
In closing, he described the updated definitions as a significant milestone for nursing globally, encouraging regulators, educators, and policymakers to actively integrate them into practice, education, and policy frameworks.
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 140 national nurses associations representing the millions of nurses worldwide. Operated by nurses and leading nursing internationally, ICN works to ensure quality care for all and sound health policies globally.
Join ENA Specialized Societies
Join UAE-ENA Membership
Apply for ENA Award 2025 (Closed)
