Idi Stuart

In Trinidad and Tobago, I and my team have been instrumental in shifting the paradigm in how nurses and the Association is viewed by members of the public, media, politicians, and nurses themselves. Unlike in other develop territories, where nursing personnel may enter into an already well established and robust framework for practice, we in the Caribbean, and more so Trinidad and Tobago were not so lucky.

During my 8-year tenure as President of the Association, I have been able to:

1) Promoted the Association to becoming a household name on the island.

2) Stabilize the finances of the Association, bring same into a positive value with admiral savings.

3) Rectify over 7 years of unaudited accounts of the Association.

4) Purchased a new headquarters for the Association to the tune of approx. US 1 million.

5) Fulfilled the mandate of ICN in Trinidad and Tobago for Nursing Associations to become the negotiating bodies for Nurses.

6) Obtained job security for Nursing Personnel in Trinidad and Tobago through the acquisition of permanency of employment, following successful legal action by the Association.

7) Stopped the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Education from offering unaccredited nursing courses, following successful legal action by the Association.

8) Ensured all Nursing programs are now taught are the bachelor’s level.

9) Started the first Nursing Credit Union in Trinidad and Tobago to provide for the economic needs of nursing personnel.

In addition to following through with the existing Board’s successful initiative ranging from emphasis on transforming the future of mental health care and Mentorship initiatives under ODENNA, I will also like ICN to redouble its efforts in nurses role in promoting Primary Health Care (PHC) to reach the goals of Universal Health Coverage by 2030, addressing the shortage of Nursing personnel – particularly specialist nurses, and urge nursing personnel to become more engaged in politics and policy making within the Americas.

The International Council of Nurses has long been a beacon of leadership and advocacy for the nursing profession globally. As the organization navigates the evolving landscape of healthcare, it is crucial to address the pressing issues facing the nursing community and chart a clear vision for the future.

One of the primary concerns facing the nursing profession is the persistent shortage of nurses worldwide. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, and its devastating impact on the healthcare workforce, particularly nursing personnel, which caused widespread nurse burnout and exacerbation of the nursing shortage that have further depleted our colleagues who remain in the profession.

Thankfully, already having a sound understanding of ICN’s Charter for Change and having already fully in cooperated the ten policy action points to successfully bolster my arguments in lobbying the government and employers within my Country, has well prepared me for this new role. Translating, my knowledge of policy implementation and change management, I am motivated to take the vision of ICN throughout the Caribbean and North America. 

I believe with pending election to the Board, it will demonstrate tangibly that the Board is truly diverse.