[1] In 2001, ICN permitted its members to adopt alliance or collaborative structures to be more inclusive of other domestic nursing groups.

The ICN was first proposed in 1899[3] at the Congress of the International Council of Women by Mrs Bedford Fenwick at a day devoted to consideration of nursing questions.

[4] A provisional committee was formed of nurses from Great Britain, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, the Netherlands and Denmark.

[4] The first constitution and officials were elected in 1900: Mrs Bedford Fenwick (Great Britain) president, Miss Lavinia Dock (United States) honorary treasurer and Miss M Agnes Snively (Canada) honorary treasurer.

[4] Interim Conferences of the International Council of Nurses were held in Paris (1907) and Geneva (1927).

[9] She later published A history of the International Council of Nurses 1899-1964 : the first 65 years in 1967[10] which she compiled during her retirement.

[citation needed] Between meetings of the CNR, ICN is governed by a 16-member board of directors.

ICN sponsors International Nurses' Day every May 12 (the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birthday).

This is a highly respected, scientific journal with an impact factor and a readership in around 135 countries.

It is published online and in hard copy 4 times a year in English, and also translated into Spanish and Chinese.