1999 News

CGFNS Hosts Global Nursing Symposium and Tribute Dinner

PHILADELPHIA, PA — DECEMBER 2, 1999 — The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) and PNC Bank co-hosted the symposium, Global Nursing: Issues and Challenges for the New Millennium, on December 1, 1999 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

The symposium, which drew nursing leaders and regulators from across Canada and the U.S., featured two distinguished speakers: Linda H. Aiken, PhD, RN, FAAN, The Claire M. Fagin Professor of Nursing, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing; and Afaf I. Meleis, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor, Department of Community Health Systems, University of California School of Nursing, San Francisco. Both speakers offered unique insights and perspectives on today’s uncertain times in the health professions, women’s rights and health issues, and the issues and challenges ahead for nursing on the global stage.

Following the symposium, CGFNS and PNC Bank also hosted a tribute dinner in honor of Margaret Risk, MScN, RN, retiring Executive Director of the College of Nurses of Ontario, Toronto, Canada. The event was preceded by a champagne reception also at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Ms. Risk has accomplished a very distinguished career in Canadian nursing, including holding such respected positions as Director of Nursing Practice for the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, Director of Nursing for the Borough of East York Health Unit, a faculty member at Ryerson University, Clinical Nurse Specialist and various staff positions in community health. Ms. Risk has also served on the boards of numerous Canadian and international nursing committees and organizations, including the Registered Nurses Foundation, the Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges, the International Standing Conference on the Regulation of Nursing and Midwifery (UKCC) and the Council of Licensure, Education and Research (CLEAR).

CGFNS is an immigration-neutral, nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and is an internationally recognized authority on education, registration and licensure of nurses worldwide. CGFNS’s mission is to provide responsible leadership in the delivery of relevant services to the global nursing and health care community. The organization was founded in 1977 through a collaborative effort by representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor; Department of Health, Education and Welfare (now the Department of Health and Human Services); the Immigration and Naturalization Service; and representation from nursing organizations, including the American Nurses Association and the National League for Nursing.

For additional information about CGFNS’s services, contact: Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, 3600 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651, USA; telephone (215) 349-8767; fax (215) 349-0026.