Transformative Leadership:
My Journey at the ICN Congress in Helsinki
By: D. Ryan Barrett, Sr.
A Global Perspective on Nursing Leadership
I ' m still processing everything I experienced as NSNA President at the International Council of Nurses Congress in Helsinki. Standing shoulder to shoulder with 7,000 nurses from around the world was humbling and energizing at the same time. There ' s something powerful about realizing we ' re all fighting similar battles despite working in completely different healthcare systems.
The Congress gave me face-to-face time with nursing leaders who are truly changing healthcare globally. I had a pinch-me moment when I found myself in a photo with four generations of NSNA Presidents- Dr. Mary Foley( who also served as ANA President), our current ICN President Dr. Pam Cipriano, Dr. Kenya Williams( our CEO and former ICN Student Alliance Chair), and myself. Talk about standing on the shoulders of giants!
Insights That Cross Borders
What excites me most is how directly this experience will benefit our NSNA members. I found myself frantically scribbling notes during sessions where nurses from different countries shared their approaches to problems we all face. What struck me most was hearing firsthand accounts of how nurses in various countries tackle burnout, fight for safer staffing, and make their voices heard in policy discussions.
Dr. Beverly Malone ' s words about leadership keep replaying in my mind. She talked about that moment when we feel called to step forward, even when terrified- sometimes we just have to leap into the unknown and trust we ' ll find our way. And if we fall? Well, there ' s dignity in falling while trying to make a difference.
I connected with student nurse leaders from countries facing severe resource constraints who have developed creative advocacy strategies that have successfully influenced policy. Their approaches can be adapted to help our members find their voices and effectively advocate for themselves and their patients, even as students.
Knowledge Exchange and Innovation
I spent an incredible day at the National League for Nursing ' s Utstein Meeting, where nurse educators and leaders shared ideas that I can ' t wait to bring back to NSNA. The conversations were rich with practical
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