Autori: Ged Williams
Ustanova zaposlenja: WFCCN
Ključne riječi: critical care, nursing, international, practice, innovation
Kongres/Simpozij: ”5. Međunarodni kongres HDMSARIST-a” i ”8. Međunarodni kongres WFCCN-a”
Mjesto i vrijeme održavanja: Šibenik, 12.-15. travnja 2012. godine
In
1999 a study was undertaken to identify as many critical care nurse organisations
around the world as possible (1). Representatives from these countries were
contacted to participate in a survey to describe the characteristics and issues
faced by their critical care nurses. 24 countries participated in the survey.
Common issues for critical care nurses included staffing levels, working conditions,
educational program standards and wages. The survey results were used to
identify whether there was interest in the formation of an international
society of critical care nursing organisations. Critical Care Nursing
associations were generally favourable towards the establishment of a worldwide
network of critical care nursing organisations and in October 2001 the World
Federation of Critical Care Nurses was formed.
The WFCCN has around 35 member countries primarily in Europe, Asia and South America
with a growing interest now emerging in Africa.
In 2005, a second survey involving 51 responding countries world-wide was
conducted (2). The most common issues identified by critical care nurses were
staffing levels and teamwork. Other important issues included wages, working
conditions and access to quality educational programs. The respondents
perceived national conferences, professional representation, standards for
educational courses, provision of a website, and educational workshops and
forums as the five most important activities that should be provided for
critical care nurses by national CCNOs. National, regional and a world
federation of critical care nurses appears to be an effective structure to help
strengthen the professional development of critical care nurses globally.
Finally in 2009, a third survey was conducted engaging respondents from 64
countries worldwide. New themes are emerging. Multi-disciplinary teamwork is
the most important issue to respondents and there has been considerable
interest in the issue of relationships with other nursing groups. The
development of clinical and professional standards of practice remain the 2
most important expectations of WFCCN from member organisations and respondents
to the survey.
WFCCN remains an influential and important international nursing organisation
for critical care nurses and has many aspirational goals to fulfil on behalf of
its members, further studies will continue to inform WFCCN of what is needed to
better support and guide critical care nursing organisations and nurses
throughout the world.