Alenka Bijol

Introduction

ICN the global voice of nursing, with a strategic plan in five pillars, aims to achieve a voice and goals for all nurses worldwide. At the same time, they provide nurses with guidelines for the development of their professional role, both in health care, social care, national organisations and educational institutions. Concerted action is needed at global level so that nurses can be protected, supported and invested in. Health systems around the world, which were already fundamentally compromised by staff shortages, have been further affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Health systems around the world are struggling to provide up-to-date services to their users, and the shortage of nurses is seriously threatening the ability of health systems to rebuild health services, provide universal healthcare and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We support the ICN's key guidelines that serve as a guide for all stakeholders: Accountability, Empowerment, Inclusivity, Innovation.

Representing the Southern Europe region, I will support the development of the ICN Strategic Plan.

Highlights for the next ICN Board

Given the global multi-million shortage of nurses, there is a need to ensure effective and coordinated action to protect and rebuild the nursing workforce. In order to take effective measures, it is necessary to update the analysis of the state of nursing worldwide and to invest in safe staffing norms. Efforts should be made to increase the attractiveness of the profession, to take measures to introduce new forms of work and to optimise the workforce by promoting advanced forms of work that are technologically supported. Further action is needed to rebuild health systems. On this last point, let me turn to another very important area, which is investing in education and training for a greater number of health care workers, particularly in the areas of intensive care, public health and primary health care, and for more nurses with specialised or advanced skills. Nurses who are recognised mentors and researchers can influence health policy-making processes. The level of nurses' knowledge and their involvement in research and projects is closely linked to the positive evaluation of their work. The ICN strategy and policy thus also plays a key role in the importance of appropriate education for the professionalisation of nursing and for placing nursing on the scientific map.

Instead of a conclusion

Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience as a nursing leader and have demonstrated leadership skills with various stakeholders in healthcare. I have been involved in leadership for almost 20 years, and I particularly value the experience gained from the Nurses and Midwives Association of Slovenia as a member of the Board of Directors and in education system. In this context, I participate in the organisation and implementation of professional meetings, the preparation of documents and guidelines, and support initiatives to improve standards and working conditions in healthcare. My main focus is on the development of nursing and activities that will contribute to the recruitment of staff and the renewal of health systems.