Sunday, July 24, 2016

Attending these congresses enhances my vision

By Laura Morán-Peña, RN, EdM, professor, National School of Nursing and Obstetrics, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico; and chair, Latin American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Laura Morán-Peña with husband Abel Blanco.
This is the fourth time I have participated in an International Nursing Research Congress, sponsored by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). Others I attended were held in Dublin, Ireland; Vienna, Austria; and Montreal, Canada. Each event represents an opportunity to hear from featured plenary speakers, in this case, three great leaders: David Benton, International Council of Nurses; Hester Klopper, STTI and FUNDISA; and Naeema Hassan Al Gasseer, World Health Organization.

By identifying current issues and sharing their perspectives, such leaders help us gain greater understanding of the role nursing research will play in improving quality of health care in countries that are within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while positively influencing international policies on health and education.

For the first research congresses I attended, my vision was basically that of a researcher. Currently, however, I am in my second term as chair of the Latin American Association of Colleges of Nursing, so my vision and expectations have changed. In fact, they are totally different, influenced significantly by the current environment of globalization, varying in its determinations and local expressions; recognition of the importance of collaborative networking; use of information technologies and communication—and, above all, recognition of the importance of collective awareness and united action that lead to transformation of the nursing profession through its influence on healthcare policies.

Beyond reuniting with colleagues and acquaintances—important as that is—attending the 27th International Nursing Research Congress in Cape Town provides a chance to identify academic peers with whom one can establish links for future multicenter, collaborative work. This networking opportunity allows you to sum up talents and resources, so indispensable today in light of the world’s current economic crisis.

A major objective of these congresses is not only to focus on research aimed at generating new knowledge, but also to show numerous examples of evidence-based practice, which enable transfer of knowledge to problem-solving practice that improves nursing care outcomes. Perhaps one of the greatest contributions of this event is its emphasis on influencing policy and practice, as well as developing and expanding a global research agenda for nursing.

Morán-Peña co-presented poster on development of clinical decision-
making skills of new nursing graduates in a Mexican university.
Indeed, I am quite sure this congress portends a great opportunity to identify strategies for moving toward a paradigm shift and developing social, cultural, human, political, and scientific capital. These strategies should be goals for our countries and our discipline.


Wearing different hats at #INRC2016

By Jacqueline “Jackie” Cassagnol, MSN, RN, PMC, founder and president of Worldwide Community First Responder, Inc.

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. —Susan Sontag

Jackie Cassagnol
After a few months of preparation, I am thrilled to be here in Cape Town, South Africa, at the 27th International Nursing Research Congress. This is my first visit to South Africa, and I am grateful that the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) has provided me this opportunity.

I have had the chance to be involved locally, regionally, and internationally with STTI. In November 2015, at STTI’s biennial convention in Las Vegas, I was elected to membership on the Leadership Succession Committee (LSC), and I am the founder and president of Worldwide Community First Responder Inc. (WCFR), so I am wearing several hats at #INRC2016: 1) LSC member, 2) moderator, and 3) poster presenter.

LSC member
It is an honor and privilege for me to serve STTI. As a member of the Leadership Succession Committee, I bring my experience and commitment to the mission of STTI to develop members in organizational leadership roles. The purpose of the committee is to prepare a diverse biennial ballot that reflects the honor society’s membership and to develop members in organizational leadership roles. This congress has given me the opportunity to recruit potential candidates from outside the United States. I enjoy networking with these dynamic nursing leaders and scholars.

Moderator
I was fortunate to be invited by STTI to moderate a session at the congress titled “Enhancing Nursing Leadership Throughout the World.” Leadership is knowing how to communicate need for change. I work very hard on this because I am dedicated to STTI’s mission and vision and because I have had the personal opportunity to become a better leader by learning from mentors and other STTI leaders.

Poster presenter
The abstract I submitted, “Lifesaving Partnership with Nonprofit Organizations: A Case Study,” was selected for poster presentation at this prestigious event. The purpose of this project is to assess the process of establishing, implementing, and evaluating a lifesaving partnership between an international organization and other nonprofit organizations. In this case, the partnership is between Worldwide Community First Responder Inc. and nonprofit organizations in the United States and Haiti, including the Haitian American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, and Volunteer New York.

Building an international nonprofit organization has been very challenging, but the impact we have made is rewarding and inspiring. It has been exciting for me to work with colleagues, friends, volunteers, partners, donors, and thought leaders to meet WCFR’s mission “to prevent deaths worldwide through education and training.”

During my stay here in Cape Town at #INRC2016, I have been tasked with wearing these different hats, and I would not trade this experience for anything.

Day 3

Day 2

Day 2 (banquet)

Day 1

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