Reflections from the 1st IEN Global Convention: A Milestone for Internationally Educated Nurses

A Global Gathering of IEN Leaders

The 1st Internationally Educated Nurses Global Convention marked a defining milestone for the Society of Internationally Educated Nurses in North America (SIENNA) and for internationally educated nurses worldwide. Held in Orlando, Florida with a strong global virtual presence, the conference brought together over 150 SIENNA Ambassadorsrepresenting more than 20 countries, united by a shared commitment to leadership, advocacy, and professional growth.

From the opening moments, the convention reflected the strength and diversity of the Global IEN community. Nurses from varied cultural, clinical, and leadership backgrounds gathered not only to learn, but to connect, celebrate, and elevate the collective voice of internationally educated nurses across healthcare systems.

Setting the Tone for Global Impact

The program opened with a powerful keynote, Global IEN Impact: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, delivered by Franklin A. Shaffer, EdD, RN, FAAN, FFNMRCSI, former CGFNS CEO and current SIENNA Board Advisor. His message underscored the essential role IENs play in sustaining and advancing global health systems, while encouraging nurses to step confidently into leadership, policy, and advocacy roles.

Regulatory Insight and Professional Clarity

One of the most anticipated sessions featured regulatory and licensure updates from Nancy Spector, PhD, RN, FAAN, NCSBN Nursing Education Policy Director. Her presentation on NCLEX at Home, licensure pathways, and testing innovations offered timely clarity and practical guidance for nurses navigating increasingly complex regulatory environments.

Voices from the Frontlines

The heart of the convention was found in the Frontline IEN TED-style talks, where nurses shared deeply personal stories of migration, resilience, adaptation, and triumph. These sessions resonated strongly with attendees, providing validation, inspiration, and a powerful reminder that the IEN journey is both challenging and transformative.

Fireside panels and dialogues further expanded these conversations, focusing on empowerment, advocacy, and global leadership. Together, these sessions highlighted how lived experience can inform systems-level change and strengthen nursing leadership worldwide.

Honoring Leadership and Excellence

Leadership and excellence were prominently celebrated throughout the day. A formal Induction Ceremony of the SIENNA Board of Directors symbolized organizational continuity and growth. The DAISY Foundation recognitionhonored nominees and awardees whose compassion and commitment exemplify the highest ideals of nursing practice.

In a historic first for the organization, SIENNA awarded the FSIEN Fellowship to its Inaugural Class, establishing a new benchmark for recognizing leadership and professional impact among internationally educated nurses.

Messages from Global Nursing Leaders

The global significance of the convention was reinforced through video messages from key nursing leaders, including Dr. José Luis Cobos Serrano, President of the International Council of Nurses; Dr. Bonnie Barnes, Founder of the DAISY Foundation; Dr. Liz Westcott, President of Sigma Nursing; Dr. Ena Williams, President-Elect of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership; Dr. Valerie Grdisa, President of the Canadian Nurses Association; and Dr. Bradley Goettl-Ng, Chief Nursing Officer of the American Nurses Association. Their messages of unity, compassion, and global solidarity underscored the vital contributions of internationally educated nurses within the worldwide nursing workforce.

Partnership, Opportunity, and Community

With Orlando Health serving as the Visionary Sponsor, and a special address delivered by Jewel Calub, DNP, RN, CEN, NEA-BC, CPXP, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, the conference also created meaningful engagement with sponsors representing credentialing services, universities, NCLEX preparation programs, career development partners, and employers.

Looking Ahead

As the convention concluded, one message was clear. This gathering was more than a conference. It was a global affirmation of the resilience, leadership, and collective power of internationally educated nurses. The impact of this historic event will continue to shape SIENNA’s mission and strengthen the IEN community for years to come.