International development: global health and the RCN
RCN members received an update on the work of the RCN International Committee at an event at Congress today.
Committee Member Andrew Clarke told attendees that the RCN is working with the Zambia Union of Nurses Organization (ZUNO) with the aim of strengthening its function. Theatre nursing has been identified as an area where by working in partnership with ZUNO, we can make a difference.
The importance of facilitating international engagement through volunteering was highlighted by Committee Member Paula Hancock. She discussed the many reasons why nurses chose to volunteer and the challenges that nurses face during their placements, such as the training, security and support of volunteers and the loss of employment benefits they have to deal with.
Judith Malan, from the committee, also gave an update on global health advocacy. “Global workforce planning and development is a sustainable way to ensure health care can be delivered everywhere, “she said.
In a lively debate at the end of presentations, members focused on the need to share information and the need for the RCN’s international team to work closely with RCN forums.
