EMBRACING A GLOBAL NURSING IDENTITY.

Ever Wondered Why I Added Registered Nurse-Global to my LinkedIn Headline? The essence of embracing a global nursing identity involves broadening your perspective and practices to encompass international standards, collaboration, and cultural competencies. This inspiration came after I became licenced to practice nursing in three countries: Nigeria, Republic of Ireland, and the United States of America. I realized I could navigate other countries like England, Australia, Canada, and New-Zealand without taking further Professional Examinations nor Test of English.

In today's interconnected world, the scope of nursing has transcended beyond the boundaries of local communities and individual nations. As a Registered Nurse and Midwife with many years of experience at the bedside, I've always strived to provide the highest quality of care to my patients. However, my journey in nursing has led me to realize that the true essence of healthcare extends far beyond the confines of a single country. This is why I chose to add "Registered Nurse-Global" to my tittle. I will share the reasons behind this decision.

EMBRACING A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE : Healthcare is a universal need, and the challenges faced by nurses are often similar worldwide. By adopting a global perspective, I am acknowledging the shared experiences and collective knowledge of nurses across different regions. "Registered Nurse-Global" signifies my commitment to understanding and integrating diverse healthcare practices and solutions from around the world to improve patient care locally and globally.

COMMITMENT TO LIFELONG LEARNING: The tittle "Registered Nurse-Global" reflects my dedication to continuous professional development and lifelong learning. Nursing is an ever-evolving field, with advancement and best practices emerging from various parts of the world. By embracing a global identity, I am committing myself to stay informed about international healthcare innovations, research, and trends , thereby enhancing my ability to provide the best care possible.

PROMOTING CULTURAL COMPETENCE: In our increasingly multicultural societies, it is crucial for nurses to be culturally competent and sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of patients. Adding " Global" to my tittle highlights my understanding of the importance of cultural competence in nursing. It represents my pledge to respect and acknowledge the cultural, linguistic, and social differences of the patients I care for, ensuring that everyone receives personalised and respectful care.

BUILDING A GLOBAL NETWORK: I understand the healthcare landscape is enriched by the collaboration and exchange of ideas among professionals worldwide. By identifying as "Registered Nurse-Global", I am positioning myself as part of a larger, international community of nurses. This title serves as an open invitation to connect with fellow nurses, healthcare professionals and organisation globally, fostering relationships that can lead to collaborative efforts, shared knowledge, and mutual support.

ADVOCATING FOR GLOBAL HEALTH: Health issues such as pandemics, chronic diseases and healthcare disparities know no borders. Addressing these challenges requires a united, global effort. By adding "Global" to my professional identity, I am aligning myself with the cause of global health advocacy. I aim to contribute to discussions and initiatives that seek to improve health outcomes not just locally, but on a global scale, promoting health, equity and access to quality care for all.

ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY: In a world where professional titles often signify specialization and expertise, "Registered Nurse-Global" enhances my professional identity by emphasizing my broader vision and aspirations. It sets me apart as a nurse who is not only committed to excellence in patient care but also dedicated to understanding and contributing to the global nursing profession and global health targets for sustainable development.

INSPIRING OTHERS: I hope that by adopting this title, I can inspire other nurses to think globally and embrace the vast opportunities that come with global nursing perspective. Whether it is through seeking international credential evaluation, sitting international nursing examinations which lead to global licensure, participating in international conferences, volunteering in global health missions , or simply staying informed about global health issues, there is much that we can achieve together.

Tolu Omolola Adeoye