The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has released updated definitions of nursing and “a nurse,” recognizing nurses as leaders, educators, advocates, and clinicians with a foundation in ethics, science, and compassion. These definitions align with ANA’s national standards and reinforce Nursing Professional Development (NPD) as a vital specialty in global health. NPD practitioners are reminded of their role in driving lifelong learning and transformative change across all practice settings.

The NPD team at a multi-site health system faced burnout and high turnover during the pandemic. To rebuild confidence and collaboration, they created a shared governance council that launched tools, resources, and mentorship connections. One year later, confidence rose and retention improved significantly—highlighting shared governance as a powerful strategy for NPD support and stability.

NPD practitioners play a vital role in advancing global healthcare by volunteering through the World Telehealth Initiative, sharing education and expertise with providers in underserved regions. This work strengthens care delivery, fosters cross-cultural collaboration, and enhances the practitioner’s professional impact—all supported by employer partnerships and adaptable clinical resources.