The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has unveiled a new, comprehensive definition of nursing that authoritatively articulates the profession’s scope, identity and contribution to global health, at its recent Congress.
The new comprehensive Definition of Nursing and the Nurse, is grounded in disciplinary knowledge, ethical standards, and human connection affirming nursing as a science-based, people-centred, and socially just profession.
The definitions were unanimously approved at the ICN Council of National Nursing Association Representatives held at the recent ICN 2025 Congress in Helsinki where 7,000 nurses attended from more than 130 countries, including Australia.
“Nursing is humanity in motion, and that can make it difficult to define. But it is vital that we do define it to ensure that it is visible and valued,” said ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton.
The definitions were the culmination of a year-long global initiative led by Australian nursing leader, Professor Jill White, with input from nursing organisations around the world, including the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and the Australian College of Nursing.
ICN’s previous definition dated back to 1987, with the shorter definition published in 2002. Rapid escalation in healthcare costs, innovations in technology in healthcare and communications, and an increasingly health-literate public, has meant the role and functions of nurses and nursing have changed and will continue to evolve.
“That is why our updated definition is so urgently important, to reflect the increased scientific knowledge and complex skills that nurses bring to the delivery of care,” said ICN President Dr Pamela Cipriano.
Being able to name, describe, and clearly communicate what nurses are and do is the key to providing a fuller understanding of the true scope and scale of nurses’ evolving and expanding global health roles, she said.
“Nurses are caregivers, but they are also changemakers who deliver clinical excellence, who address the world’s most complex health issues, and who advocate for health and equity, everywhere.”
ICN delegates also emphasised the power of language, noting that nurses must have the autonomy to describe all dimensions of health, identity, and care.
“What distinguishes the profession is not only what nurses do, but how they do it – by acting as powerful advocates on behalf of the world’s people and acting to transform health systems to ensure high quality, accessible care for all,” said Ms Cipriano.
“This definition recognises nurses as innovators, educators, researchers and policy leaders who are shaping the future of care delivery for the good and health of all.”
“We urge all organisations to use our new definition in their policy, legal, standard setting, education and regulatory frameworks,” said Mr Catton.
Renewing the definitions of nursing and a nurse can be viewed here
For more on the ICN 2025 Congress including a recap and gallery images, view here
The ANMJ is proud to be a media partner for the 2025 ICN Congress
