As 2023 unfolds, there is good news to share from the International Home Care Nurses Organization (IHCNO). Our ongoing commitment is for home care nursing to be recognized as a specialized area of practice that requires a unique set of nursing, interpersonal, and transcultural skills to achieve excellence in care. We are addressing this by supporting home care nursing practice through education and research. Our activities include educational webinars, training resources, journal articles, website updates, social media postings, and networking. We co-host conferences, award research grants, develop global-based work groups to advance home care nursing, encourage the development of future home care nurse leaders, and recognize compassionate home care nurses with a DAISY Award as a supporting organization with the DAISY Foundation.
The International Guidelines for Home Health Nursing was developed through IHCNO leadership and an international network of home healthcare nurses. By using the Home Health Nursing ANA Scope and Standards of Practice as a base, the Guidelines were published and shared internationally. Working with and learning from others in the home care nursing world is our goal.
There is more to come this year:
* MEMBERSHIP: Check the IHCNO website for information about becoming a member. Being a member of a professional nursing organization is one of the best ways to show your professional commitment and develop leadership skills. Members receive access to members-only resources, free educational trainings, reduced rates for webinars and conferences, exclusive networking and mentoring opportunities and opportunities to contribute updates to the Guidelines. In addition, a discount rate for a subscription to Home Healthcare Now is available.
* CONFERENCE: Mark your calendar for 2024. IHCNO and Singapore-based Tsao Foundation will be co-hosting an in-person/virtual conference in Singapore on The Future of Community and Home-Based Nursing for Older Persons. Check the IHCNO website for registration information and specific dates. Keynote speakers are Susan Swider, PhD, PHNA-BC, FAAN, Director, Advanced Public Health Nursing Program & Transformative Leadership: Population Health Program, Rush University, Chicago, IL, and Crystal Oldman CBE, Dr. Oldman is Chief Executive of the Queen's Nursing Institute, United Kingdom. IHCNO will be presenting a preconference Master Class. There will be opportunity to visit Singapore-based home care agencies and network with home care professional from many countries.
* WORK GROUPS: Learn and contribute to work groups focusing on home care nursing in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, United States, Singapore, Nigeria, and Uganda.
* AWARD: Nominate a home care nurse for a DAISY Award which recognizes compassionate nurses in a direct care role or leadership position.
* PUBLICATIONS: Develop an article for publication.
* VOLUNTEER: Help update the Guidelines and required competencies for nursing in the home care setting.
* A structured orientation to the specialty area of home care nursing and potential residency programs are being explored.
Join us on this journey by visiting http://www.ihcno.org for access to current resources for education, learn about global home care nursing, and volunteer opportunities. You will find links to specific trainings and tools such as the International Guidelines and recent webinars. These resources can help you in areas such as direct care provision, research, career development, and networking.