Global Nursing Exchange

Oftentimes we think our nursing and health care issues are unique to our communities or even the United States. But, as so many nurse leaders have experienced exchanges with each other throughout the world, it is not unusual to find that there is universality in what we do, who we are, and how we practice and teach nursing. We even conduct research around the same clinical and practice issues. Our problem-solving methodology is similar and our solutions, while unique to our environment, are connected. I personally feel so very fortunate to have experienced many global exchange opportunities throughout my career. I can recall my first International Congress for Nursing in Tel Aviv, Israel, so many years ago. What an amazing experience to visit kibbutz and hospitals in Haifa and hear gunshots across the border with guarded watchtowers everywhere. And that is still the way it is today. Peace is longed for, but not accomplished and nurses have to continue to provide care to so many victims of violence in this conflict state of being.

In 1988, I had the privilege of attending an international nursing administration study and seminar week at the Rockefeller Foundation Institute in Bellagio, Italy. The organizer and leader was Dr Beverly Henry, whose outstanding dedication in international networking resulted in a book, International Administration of Nursing Services. As we study what is happening throughout the world and view nursing through the value of others, we find common denominators for nurses and nurse executives in every part of the world. What makes this issue of Nursing Administration Quarterly so special is the setting in which the Global Nursing Exchanges have taken place. Kathleen Bower, issue editor, is a Principal and Co-owner of The Center for Case Management in South Natick, Mass. Prior to her current role, she held a series of management and administrative positions over 17 years at New England Medical Center, Boston. Dr Bower was instrumental in the formation and evolution of Clinical Path and Case Management systems. A recognized leader in evolving effective care management systems, she has provided workshops and consultation nationally and internationally. Dr Bower has extensive publications related to Clinical Paths, Case Management, patient education, and other topics. Dr Bower has a BSN from Georgetown University, an MSN from Boston College, and a doctoral degree from Boston University.

Her regular participation in the Global Nursing Exchange gives a breadth and depth of leadership to this very timely issue of NAQ. I began participating in the networking annual meeting when I returned from working in Saudi Arabia after 1991. When I was invited to join the group, I thought, "not another meeting with nurses about the same old stuff." Then I found that returning to the United States after 4 years was a re-entry into a new world of nursing and case management that I had left behind. The colleagueship, renewal of friends, and searching for a way to update myself in the current state of affairs of nursing was a remarkable experience.

Innovative and creative directions were shared in a most informal setting in La Paz, Mexico, allowing for connection in whatever way the participant chose. Through the years these exchanges have led to a cross-fertilization of ideas between nurses of all ages and from different parts of the world. As I am writing this, I am embarking on another country adventure for both professional and personal experiences. I was designated as the distinguished Searle Commemorative lecturer for the University of South Africa in Johannesburg. I will also keynote the International Academy of Nursing Editors annual meeting in Pretoria, August 14-15, 2003. Charlotte Searle was the first South African nurse to achieve doctoral education. She was also the first nurse to hold the position of Professor and Dean of a University Department of Nursing. She has published widely, (nationally and internationally), served on the ICN as Board Member, received a decoration from the International Red Cross, and was awarded the Decoration for Meritorious Service (previously the highest civilian decoration awarded by the State President) and many other awards. Charlotte Searle was also the first Dean of the School of Nursing at the University of South Africa, Johannesburg, which was awarded the sole right to commemorate her, after she died at the age of 82 a few years ago.

I am certainly so very honored to be able to teach under the auspices of such an accomplished nurse leader. The special privilege of connecting with nurses from other countries has been a significant part of my career for the past 3 decades. In addition to living and working in Saudi Arabia, where I had administrative responsibility for 1500 nurses from 40 different countries, I have shared global nursing exchanges in China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, Spain, Greece, Italy, England, Wales, Jordan, Egypt, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Guam, Denmark, and Sweden. Presenting in Stockholm was a truly remarkable event as my heritage is Swedish and my great grand uncle, Victor Rydberg, was the poet laureate of Sweden. So, I kept my maiden name as Barbara Rydberg, for my Swedish colleagues, while there.

I have taken most of my adult children on an international nursing visit, and so the presence of family is a comforting feeling in a strange place. My eldest son, Robert, and his wife, Jo Ann, accompanied me to South Africa. And my eldest daughter's son went with me to the last ICN in Copenhagen. Bridging across so many cultures and countries, blending a sense of oneness with the world of nursing, is a most rewarding experience that I wish every nurse could have.

Being a part of the Global Nursing Exchange has enriched my life as a nurse author and as a person. We have been able to visit schools and hospitals in Mexico and even raise money to help where the resources are so limited. On a personal note, as a very senior member of this elite group, I am now the "Fairy Godmother" and have a special place among the founding "mothers" who never cease to amaze me with their enthusiasm, their willingness to share, including their stories for this issue. If any reader has an international, global nursing interest, please let us know as we are always looking to carry the mission to other places in this wonderful world of nursing.