Ricardo Correia de Matos

As a dedicated nursing professional with extensive leadership experience, I am honoured to present my candidacy for the ICN Board for the 2025-2029 term. The ICN faces numerous challenges and opportunities in today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. My vision for the ICN's future is centred on strengthening the global nursing community, advancing professional development, and ensuring nurses' voices are heard in policy-making arenas.

One of the most pressing issues is the severe global shortage of nurses. This shortage is exacerbated by the aging population, increased chronic diseases, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from my term in office as Treasurer of the Board of Directors at Ordem dos Enfermeiros and as President of the Central Regional Section from 2016 to 2023, I am well-equipped to advocate for policies that promote nursing education, retention, and international collaboration. These experiences have sharpened my ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and influence policy at both national and regional levels, essential for addressing workforce challenges and advocating for improved working conditions and career development opportunities.

Nurses worldwide continue to struggle with inadequate recognition and compensation. My leadership roles within Ordem dos Enfermeiros have ingrained in me a deep understanding of the profession's challenges and opportunities. I am committed to leveraging ICN's platform to elevate the global visibility of nursing, ensuring that nurses are fairly compensated and recognized for their pivotal role in healthcare delivery.

The mental health and well-being of nurses are paramount. My experience includes initiating and implementing programs to support nurses' mental health and well-being, a critical area requiring attention on the ICN Board. By promoting initiatives that enhance working conditions, provide resources for resilience, and advocate for better mental health services, I aim to foster a supportive environment for nurses worldwide.

My vision for the ICN is built on three pillars: Empowerment, Collaboration, and Innovation. Empowering nurses through accessible education and professional development opportunities is crucial. ICN should expand its educational programs and leverage digital platforms to ensure continuous learning and skill development globally. Strengthening partnerships with governments, healthcare organizations, and stakeholders will create a collaborative environment where best practices and resources are shared across borders.

Embracing innovation in nursing practice and healthcare delivery will propel the profession forward. ICN should support research and integrate new technologies to optimize patient care and streamline nursing workflows. As a candidate for the ICN Board, I bring a wealth of experience, a passion for nursing, and a commitment to advancing the profession globally. Together, we can address the challenges facing nursing, empower our colleagues, and ensure that ICN continues to lead in promoting health and well-being worldwide.