Nursing in Europe

In the long and frequently troubled history of Europe a span of 20 years seems insignificant, but placed in context of a century and a half of modern nursing the last two decades have been rich in growth and significance for the profession. As a nurse privileged to work with colleagues from the EC member states over this period, I have witnessed a great "sea change" brought about by nurses' own efforts through close cooperation and trust. These nurses came from 12 very different countries but had a common link: membership with the International Council of Nurses (ICN). Nursing in Europe faces many daunting challenges but we have more things to unite us that to divide us. The following articles should convince the reader that this is indeed the case.