Presidential Message
Linda A. Lewandowski, PhD, RN, FAAN
President, International Network for Doctoral Education in Nursing
Thank you for visiting our INDEN website. INDEN is the only nursing professional organization that focuses on promoting quality doctoral nursing education across the globe. We are committed to enhancing and highlighting the important contributions that advanced nursing education makes to the health of individuals, families, communities, and nations throughout the world.
We are facing so many challenges across the globe right now that are impacting the health and well-being of many populations: war in Ukraine, an as yet unremitting global COVID-19 pandemic, refugees fleeing violence and persecution in many parts of our world, racism and health inequities, pollution threatening our planet. and our future –to mention a few. Nurses have “risen to the occasion” throughout all of history and are doing so now, in so many ways, every day, throughout the world.
Nurses are showing remarkable skill, courage, creativity, and compassion on the “front lines” of these pressing issues—whether at the “bedside” (wherever that may be!); planning for public health or relief measures in challenging environments; providing administrative support to enhance quality care and to increase the safety of all healthcare workers; or dealing with the challenges of educating the next generation of needed nurses in the context of a global pandemic and challenging social issues; nurses are carrying out important work that none of us could have dreamed possible or necessary just a few years ago!
Nurses are making a difference—the exact reason most of us went into nursing in the first place!! Doctoral nursing education is vital to the health and well-being of the world. Nursing research and scholarship are helping to address important local, regional, and global health issues.
We have never been so proud to be a nurse! Please share and pass on our blessings and thanks to all nurses, everywhere!!
In addition to the important work that we do to promote doctoral education, many of us also are feeling a need to help provide care and alleviate suffering in areas of particular need right now such as the Ukraine, Syria, specific populations in need in Africa, or at the Mexico border—as well as other locations across the globe.
The following reputable organizations provide aid internationally:
· CARE provides immediate food, water, and hygiene kits and additional support.
· International Committee of the Red Cross aids people affected by the conflict and supports the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross.
· International Medical Corps delivers primary healthcare and mental services.
· International Rescue Committee provides resources to refugees fleeing countries in crisis.
· Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders facilitates travel to healthcare facilities and access to prescribed medications.
· Project Hope provides medical support to countries in crisis.
· UNICEF supports health, nutrition, safe drinking water, sanitation, and protection for children.
· UN Refugee Agency provides emergency assistance to families in Ukraine, including cash assistance and opportunities for resettlement.