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February 2004 International role for nurses It is important for nurses to keep abreast of international developments and global changes affecting nursing and health care as nurses have an influential role to play in the international health care arena. Of current interest to nurses are the ongoing discussions about general agreements on trade (GATS), the establishment of bilateral trade agreements and nurse migration. Trade agreements can impact on many aspects of society, including the provision of health care. At present there is a national discussion about potential negotiation points for trade agreements such as the ownership of hospitals, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and the stewardship of water in Australia. Australia’s move towards bilateral agreements with countries such as Singapore, Thailand and the USA could also involve professions such as nursing. The migration of nurses between countries is also a trade issue. Australia has been asked to consider agreements that would facilitate the movement of nurses between countries. Nurses from some countries already have easy access to registration in Australia. For example, the mutual recognition agreement with New Zealand now means Australian and New Zealand nurses can cross the Tasman Sea and work in the same way that nurses move between Alice Springs and Melbourne.1 The ANF takes its international responsibilities seriously and is actively involved in two international conferences in November this year. The 2004 Asia Pacific Nursing Congress to be held in Sydney brings together representatives from key nursing organisations and educational institutions to debate issues and ways in which the nursing profession can continue to work together across the region. The Cook Islands will host the South Pacific Nursing Forum later in November. The ANF is the Australian member of the Forum, which provides a wonderful opportunity for nurses across the South Pacific to meet; share interests, achievements and concerns; develop support networks; update clinical knowledge; and make recommendations for united action for the following years. For
more information about these events, refer to the following websites:
www.anf.org.au/apnc
Victoria
Gilmore |