HPB Voices Reloaded

Nursing Conference

- by Susan Tan, Staff Nurse, SHS

International Council of Nurses

SN Tan attended the International Council of Nurses 23rd Quadrennial Congress which was held in Taipei Taiwan in May 2005. She shares her experience with us here on Voices Reloaded.

Venue: Taipei - World Trade Centre and Convention Hall

The theme of this congress was “Nursing on the Move”; stressing on “Knowledge, Innovation & Vitality”. The 4-day Congress comprised of a plenary session, seminars, poster presentations and symposia running concurrently. It was an excellent platform for nurses to share nursing knowledge and innovation across specialties, cultures and countries with nurse leaders from all over the world.

More than 600 Scientific posters were displayed at the congress

 The opening ceremony for the Congress was addressed by President Chen Shui-Bian of Taiwan.

Approximately, four thousand delegates from 104 countries attended and 32 delegates were from Singapore.

 
President Chen and participants enjoying the lively opening ceremonies.

Delegates from HPB – Susan Tan and Swee Suet

The main Congress objectives were:

• To support informed and sustainable improvement in policy and nursing practice.
• To advance nursing contribution to health care and facilitate the dissemination of evidence highlighting effective nursing interventions.
• To encourage innovation.

Learning Points

Participating in this congress was a memorable experience. I was inspired and motivated by the President of Taiwan Nurses Association’s speech which reminded me that one should keep pace with the world’s progress by continuous education in all areas. It gave me great confidence and encouragement to cope with the fast pace of the changing world and future challenges in healthcare.

Apart from the knowledge gained, it provided me with opportunities to network with nursing leaders from all over the world. I could feel the power of strength and enthusiasm of nurses at the congress. This congress was the window to the world of nursing.

Lastly, I would like to extend my profound appreciation to the Management for giving me the opportunity to attend The ICN Congress.