The Pulse of the Profession: Redefining 'Nursing' for the 21st Century

What does it mean to be a nurse in the 21st century? The role has evolved far beyond traditional perceptions, and now, the official definition of the profession has too.In this episode, we delve into the landmark June 2025 report from the International Council of Nurses (ICN), "Renewing the Definitions of ‘Nursing’ and ‘a Nurse’". Join us as we explore the year-long, global effort to create definitions that capture the full scope of modern nursing – a profession of science, art, and spirit.We unpack the key findings, discussing:The Rationale for Change: Why the previous definitions, including Virginia Henderson's from 1960, were no longer fit for purpose.Two Distinct Definitions: We examine the crucial decision to separately define 'nursing' as a profession and 'a nurse' as the regulated, educated professional, and what this means for workforce planning and education.Beyond the Bedside: Discover how the new definitions formally recognise the expansive roles of nurses in advocacy, policy-shaping, research, and promoting environmental sustainability. As contributor Donna Diers noted, nursing is both "care of the sick... and the tending of the entire environment in which care happens.”Global Implications: We consider the future impact of this work on international collaboration, safety standards, and the recognition of nursing's critical contribution to achieving health for all.This briefing provides a comprehensive look at a pivotal moment for the global healthcare community, offering a new framework designed to guide and elevate the nursing profession for the next twenty years and beyond.

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