International Council of Nurses (ICN)
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of 133 nursing organisations that represent 28 million nurses worldwide. Operated by nurses, it works to ensure quality nursing care for all, sound health policies globally and the advancement of nursing knowledge.
The ICN is a federation of over 130 nursing organisations that represent 27 million nurses worldwide. Operated by nurses, it works to ensure quality nursing care for all, sound health policies globally and the advancement of nursing knowledge. The ICN meets every two years with the purpose of bringing together nurses from around the world, to advance nursing and influence health policy on a global scale.
The RCN left ICN when the decision to continue membership was put to a vote at the 2013 Annual General Meeting. The vote in favour of leaving passed at 91.7%. The decision was made due to concerns about ICN including their strategy, operational effectiveness and membership model.
Members debated the issue at Congress in 2019. The International Committee and Council then agreed to consult the membership, via survey in 2020, as to whether views in relation to the ICN have changed since 2013. At the AGM in 2021 a resolution to rejoin ICN was passed with 84% voting in favour. All members were able to vote.
No, the cost of ICN membership would be budgeted as part of operational expenditure which is funded from member subscription income.
The RCN already works and is a member of many other international organisations including:
- The Commonwealth Nurses’ Federation (CNF)
- International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)
- European Federation of Nurses’ Associations (EFN)
- European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU)/Public Services International (PSI)
- European Public Health Alliance (EPHA)
Useful links:
The global landscape has rapidly changed through issues such as the pandemic, international recruitment and retention across the globe. Addressing these issues demands global solidarity. By re-joining the ICN, we’ll be able to:
- Build influence at the highest levels and represent the profession on an international level.
- Collaborate with partners across the world to help solve global health problems and promote the expertise of UK nursing on a global stage.
- Share expertise of members and drive improvements in global health. This is important particularly since the pandemic and the impact it has had across the globe.
