Championing respiratory nursing worldwide
Advancing education, practice, and collaboration in respiratory nursing across global health systems.
The International Coalition for Respiratory Nursing (ICRN) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening the specialty of respiratory nursing worldwide. We bring together respiratory nurses, educators, researchers, and professional organisations to promote high standards of education, evidence-based practice, and improved outcomes for people living with respiratory conditions.
about us
Why the International Coalition for Respiratory Nursing was established
Respiratory nurses play a vital role in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of respiratory disease. However, education, scope of practice, and professional recognition vary widely across countries and healthcare systems.
ICRN was established to address these disparities through international collaboration. By working across borders and professional organisations, we aim to strengthen education, clarify professional roles, and support respiratory nurses to deliver high-quality, equitable care worldwide.
OUR STORY
Our journey so far
ICRN was formed through international collaboration within the respiratory nursing community, with its roots in work led through the European Respiratory Society Nurses Group.
Since its inception, ICRN has brought together academic and clinical respiratory nurses, researchers, and professional societies from across the world to explore shared challenges, identify gaps in education and training, and work towards common standards in respiratory nursing.
This work continues to evolve as the organisation grows and responds to the changing needs of respiratory healthcare globally.
Our Focus Areas
Education and curriculum development
Supporting the development of a harmonised respiratory nursing curriculum that can be adapted to national education systems and healthcare contexts.
Advocacy and policy influence
Advocating for strong educational standards, professional recognition, and policies that strengthen respiratory nursing roles within healthcare systems.
Research and evidence-based practice
Promoting respiratory nursing research and the use of evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.
Global collaboration
Connecting respiratory nurses, educators, researchers, and organisations to share expertise, experience, and best practice worldwide.
Definition of a Respiratory Nurse
A respiratory nurse is a nurse who specialises in caring for patients with respiratory conditions. A respiratory nurse assesses, plans, and implements evidence-based care for acute and chronic respiratory disorders across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of healthcare.
Respiratory nurses play a crucial role in supporting both the physical and psychological wellbeing of patients and act as patient advocates throughout the prevention of respiratory disease, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term self-management.
Their practice is oriented towards outcomes sensitive to nursing care. The impact of respiratory nursing can be seen in maintaining activity tolerance and independence in self-care, supporting discharge planning, ensuring continuity of care, facilitating reintegration into family and community life, and contributing to research that advances evidence-based nursing practice.
GLOBAL COMMUNITY
A global respiratory nursing community
ICRN brings together respiratory nurses, educators, researchers, technologists, and professional organisations from across the world. Our members represent diverse healthcare systems and professional contexts, united by a shared commitment to strengthening respiratory nursing and improving patient care globally.
