COLUMNS

NURSING LIBRARY

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Colleagues,

I write this update on the heels of attending, with President-Elect Carol Picard, the 2005 Quadrennial Congress of the International Council of Nurses (ICN). The theme of the congress, held in Taipei, Taiwan, was “Nursing on the Move: Knowledge, Innovation and Vitality.”

We marveled at the parade of nations that began the opening ceremony. Many nurses wore native dress and contributed to the kaleidoscope of diversity that was present. It was interesting to note that knowledge, learning and service, the foundation upon which our honor society was founded, resonate with communities of nurses around the world. It was also interesting to ponder how Nursing Knowledge International, one of the subsidiary corporations of the honor society, might serve as a platform to help nurses help others through the development of a worldwide nursing knowledge network.

Stephen Lewis, special envoy of the secretary-general for HIV/AIDS in Africa, delivered a passionate keynote address about health and human rights in which he stated, “Nurses can always be counted on for principles, caring and tenacity.” He further observed that “nurses are the centerpiece of society.” As he travels to and from Africa, Lewis sees the devastation of the AIDS pandemic as well as the value of nursing care for the sick and dying. Women and children are especially vulnerable and need special attention in covenants designed to protect and support the balance of relationships between health and human rights. Unfortunately, many nurses and other health care workers have contracted HIV/AIDS and are dying.

Carol Picard and I talked about how the honor society needs to respond to the global nursing concerns that surfaced at the congress. As we looked to the future, we identified efforts that need to be considered alongside our newly developed strategic directions. I appreciate the effort of members who are drawing attention to the value of nursing in their part of the world. I also admire those who make individual contributions on a daily basis to support beneficence, autonomy and justice. It is a constant challenge to do the right thing and uphold the ethical standards of our profession.

Many of the outcomes anticipated in the Board of Directors Oversight Plan are being realized. At our June meeting, we applauded the work accomplished by many advisory councils and task forces. Watch for a final version of the honor society’s strategic directions. Anticipate the posting of new policies approved regarding global development, nurse migration and ethical recruitment. Expect a new policy and resource paper on global health and nursing research priorities, created by members of the Research and Scholarship Advisory Council. Look forward to a Web-based resource that identifies global leadership development programs. Be ready to access the resource paper on reflective practice from the Reflective Practice Task Force. Anticipate learning about reflective practice at the 2005 convention. Be prepared to act on recommendations and bylaws changes suggested by the Governance Committee. Look for invitations to participate in focus groups and feedback sessions on the work of the Chapter and Community Building Advisory Council. Give thanks to your regional coordinators, as they have been very actively supporting and sustaining healthy chapter initiatives. The Leadership Succession Committee is busy putting final touches on a ballot for the 2005 election at the House of Delegates. Members of headquarters staff are getting ready for the convention.

President-Elect Picard and I met with the board and staff to begin planning for the transition to the next biennium. Members in the organization have taken my call to renewal seriously. We continue to build a strong organization that is ready for the future. I am forever grateful for your commitment, support and encouragement. It is not too early to begin making plans for the convention. Register by Oct. 5 for that early discount! Exciting events are planned. I believe the convention will be informative and educational and will provide opportunity to celebrate biennial achievements. I’ll see you soon in Indianapolis.

Daniel J. Pesut, PhD, APRN, BC, FAAN