Sineva Maria Ribeiro

Healthcare is a critical sector for public health, and one of the greatest challenges we face is ensuring a steady supply of competence within the profession. With my knowledge and dedication, I am able to inspire and engage young and new entrants to the profession-a key skill I would bring to the ICN Board. In Sweden and the Nordic countries, we have a strong focus on organizational development and high membership numbers. As current leaders, it is our responsibility to create the conditions for future nursing leaders. I often say that we should not only highlight problems but also propose solutions. We have a duty to think long-term and strategically, to create visions and goals, and to achieve them.

As a leader in the trade union movement, I have experience in improving conditions for nurses and our leaders, thus fostering the profession's growth. I maintain strong relationships with politicians, NGO leaders, and corporations, and I know how to leverage influence strategies to get things done. My work includes advocating for equal pay, healthy working hours, and a positive work environment-issues that are vital to our union members and all healthcare colleagues. In 2020, I helped establish an organizational structure for welfare unions, representing 1.2 million members collectively.

I am passionate about organizational development and recruiting more members-a critical challenge for ICN organization. Membership is crucial from student life to retirement. As a relationship builder, I lead with strong strategic vision, inspiring others to follow. In today's uncertain world, I believe in leadership that fosters relationships and provides support, enabling more people to influence the profession's development and deliver safe, quality care.

Serving on the board of Folksam Liv, a company with a significant budget and complex demands, has taught me valuable lessons, particularly regarding EU legislation. My involvement in the Union to Union Board is a natural fit, as I believe in global solidarity among nurses to strengthen and advance our profession. With my knowledge and expertise, I am confident I can make substantial contributions to the ICN Board that would benefit the global nursing community.

Regarding the challenges in securing the competencies of our vital profession, my strategy is to ensure employers fund both specialist and advanced specialist nursing education. I excel at  devising influence strategies and do not give up easily. If one approach fails, I have multiple alternative strategies ready, mapping out the necessary contacts to achieve results. This resilience and determination are why I am standing for the ICN Board. I believe I have much to offer as a strong union leader, a dedicated specialist nurse, and someone who loves people, my profession, and the pursuit of improvement. Together, we succeed and grow stronger.