As the Professional Lead for Acute and Emergency Care and Defence Nursing at the Royal College of Nursing, I was honoured to attend the recent International Military Nursing Conference, hosted by the UK Defence Medical Services (DMS) in London. This major event brought together over 110 military nurses and healthcare leaders from twelve nations, including representatives from NATO and Five Eyes allies such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Hungary. 

The two-day conference provided a unique and invaluable opportunity to share expertise, strengthen international partnerships, and explore the evolving role of military nursing in today’s complex global landscape. With speakers from the DMS, NHS, the Royal College of Nursing, and the Florence Nightingale Foundation, the programme was rich in insight and forward-thinking discussion. 

A key theme throughout the event was the importance of interoperability - ensuring that different countries as well as military and civilian healthcare systems can work seamlessly together in response to emerging threats. This aligns with NATO’s Medical Action Plan, which prioritises cohesive and collaborative medical support across member nations. Military nurses play a vital role in this effort, not only in operational environments but also in humanitarian missions, disaster response, and domestic healthcare systems. 

One of the highlights of the conference was a panel discussion exploring the future of the nursing workforce and its implications for defence. I was particularly proud to see Lucy Muchina, the RCN’s Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, contribute to this important conversation. Lucy spoke alongside a distinguished panel including Laura Spear, Senior Principal Psychologist at the UK Defence Scientific and Technology Laboratories; Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England; and Professor Donna O’Boyle MBE, Acting Executive Director of Professional Practice at the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Their insights into workforce planning, psychological resilience, and professional development were both timely and thought-provoking. 

For the Royal College of Nursing, this event reaffirmed our commitment to supporting defence nurses across all four nations of the UK. It also underscored the value of international collaboration in shaping the future of nursing - military and civilian alike. The conversations I had with colleagues from around the world were not only professionally enriching but also deeply motivating. They reminded me of the resilience, skill, and compassion that define our profession, especially in the most challenging environments. 

As we look ahead, the RCN will continue to champion the role of military nurses and advocate for their recognition, development, and integration within broader healthcare systems. Events like this conference are essential in building bridges, sharing knowledge, and ensuring that military nursing remains the dynamic and respected field it always has been.