Director of the TNMU Institute of Nursing Participates in the International ICN Program “Nursing Leadership for Crisis Response and Recovery”

In the heart of Kyiv, from October 27 to 30, 2025, an in-person session of the international program Nursing Leadership for Crisis Response and Recovery (NLCRR) took place, bringing together 24 Ukrainian nursing leaders. Among the participants was the director of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Nursing of TNMU, who represented the university among leading professionals in the field.

The program is implemented by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) as part of the global #NursesforPeace campaign, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. Its goal is to support nurses working in crisis conditions by developing their leadership skills, emotional resilience, and professional autonomy.

The second module of the NLCRR program focused on developing crisis leadership and the ability to act effectively under pressure. Participants worked with real clinical cases, shared experiences of working in wartime conditions, and enhanced communication and change-management skills.

A significant highlight of the session was a meeting with Howard Catton, CEO of ICN, who emphasized the unity of the global nursing community and the important role of Ukraine in shaping humanitarian leadership in healthcare. Serhiy Ubohov, Head of the Department of Medical Personnel, Education, and Science of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, delivered an inspiring speech on the future of nursing in Ukraine. High recognition was also given by Kateryna Komar, Director of the Nursing Development Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, who highlighted the participants’ contributions to creating professional standards and developing a national network of nursing leaders.
An especially inspiring moment was the address by Polina Huk, National Professional Officer for Nursing and Midwifery at the WHO Regional Office in Ukraine, who spoke about leadership in nursing, humanity, and the strength of a profession that inspires and unites.

A full year of dedicated work and systemic transformation took place between the first and second modules of the program. During this time, Ukrainian nursing leaders contributed to reforming the system of professional development, creating standards, and strengthening the role of nurses within the healthcare system.

“This is a unique experience,” noted the director of the TNMU Institute of Nursing. “The program, created to support nursing leadership in crisis conditions, is being implemented for the first time in an active conflict zone. Together with 24 Ukrainian leaders, we are learning to strengthen resilience, humanity, and collective strength. Nursing is not only about care—it is about leadership, compassion, and the courage to act.”
All participants also had the opportunity to present their institutions and share their personal leadership journeys.

Participation of a TNMU representative in the NLCRR program demonstrates the university’s active integration into the global community of nursing leaders. Such initiatives not only enhance the prestige of Ukrainian nursing education but also strengthen the humanitarian mission of the profession in rebuilding the healthcare system.

The in-person session in Kyiv marked the completion of the program’s second module. Ahead lie new stages that will further strengthen the potential of Ukrainian nursing leaders.

Ukrainian nurses have already laid a solid foundation for the future. Ahead lies even more growth, courage, and leadership that changes the world.