IFNA member, Teresa Gutiérrez-Alemán, PhD, MSc, RN, was recently recognized in a Spanish nursing journal for her contributions to the International Family Nursing Association (IFNA) and her leadership in family nursing.
See the English language translation of the journal article below:
NURSING IS AN INTERNATIONAL KEY
TERESA GUTIÉRREZ-ALEMÁN IS A NURSE AND THE ONLY SPANISH PERSON CURRENTLY SERVING ON THE INTERNATIONAL FAMILY NURSING ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The International Family Nursing Association (IFNA) was founded in 1988 by a group of international nurses united with the goal of improving the health and well-being of families worldwide. The core values of IFNA are a compassionate family focus on health, social justice, human dignity, and respect for all. The vision of IFNA is to build a community of nurses and other healthcare professionals dedicated to transforming health for families worldwide.
The goals of IFNA are built on three principles: to serve as a unifying force and voice for family nursing globally; to share knowledge, practices, and skills to enhance and nurture family nursing practice; and to facilitate leadership through education, research, scholarship, socialization, and collegial exchange.
To achieve its mission, IFNA currently has members from 33 countries, including Dr. Teresa Gutiérrez-Alemán who completed her undergraduate degree Nursing from the University of Navarra and subsequently obtained a master’s degree in “Management and Advanced Practice in Nursing.” After receiving a scholarship (academic excellence), and motivated by her passion for family nursing, she decided to pursue her doctoral thesis in the field of Family Nursing. She joined the Public University of Navarra as an academic researcher following the completion of her doctoral program.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Adding to her list of achievements, Dr. Teresa Gutiérrez-Alemán has reached a new milestone: becoming an elected member of the IFNA Board of Directors. “I have been an IFNA member since 2017. Later, I decided to run for the board elections. To access this position, it is essential to meet a series of requirements, such as having been a member of one of its standing committees for at least two years.”
The election process begins by establishing the eligibility requirements to join the board. Next, each member presents their plan, highlighting what they can contribute to IFNA. After this request, a specific committee is responsible for selecting those profiles that, in addition to meeting the established requirements, consider them aligned with the strategic plan objectives.
After the selection, the vote is opened, and IFNA members from 33 countries vote. “Profiles that receive the most votes become part of the board for the next two years.” Currently, the IFNA Board of Directors is composed of six people from Australia, South Africa, the United States, Ireland, and Japan. “I am the new addition from Spain. There have been Spaniards on the board before, such as Dr. Cristina García Vivar, but currently, I am the only one,” Teresa says.
Teresa initially had doubts about running for the position. “I was not sure about letting my name stand for election. The candidates for this role are typically seasoned professionals with extensive experience, and as the youngest person to hold this position, I felt uncertain. However, my involvement with IFNA has shaped my perspective and deepened my understanding of its values over the years. Ultimately, I am excited to serve this organization and contribute to its mission,” she explains.
THE KEY TO SUCCESS
According to our interviewee, one of the critical factors in the success of IFNA is its cross-disciplinary nature. “IFNA is not exclusive to nursing professionals; individuals from all health care professional backgrounds are invited to participate. In addition, the association is focused on research, education, and practice. In fact, the richness of diversity in the backgrounds and specialties of its members sets IFNA apart. This diverse and broad range of expertise is one of its greatest strengths, which I believe has great value for all areas IFNA is dedicated to.”
Teresa emphasizes the significant value of her experience with IFNA:
“IFNA has provided me with many opportunities to learn and grow. I have had the privilege of working with highly skilled and experienced individuals, and the association encourages inclusion and collaboration. IFNA is a great place for nurses who are passionate about improving the quality of care for families and come from different backgrounds and specialties to develop their skills and knowledge. I highly recommend anyone who shares this passion and interest to consider joining IFNA, whether you are a nurse working in practice, research, politics, or education.”
The publication also highlighted Teresa’s passion for basketball. She is an accomplished professional basketball referee. With 11 years of experience, she has been a part of the Spanish Basketball Federation’s referee group for the past four years, making her the first woman from Navarre, Spain to attain this level of achievement.
See link to the original publication of this news: https://enfermeriaendesarrollo.es/calidad-percibida/la-enfermeria-en-clave-internacional/
For more information or to offer your congratulations, please contact IFNA member Teresa Gutiérrez- Alemán: [email protected]
Photo above of Dr. Teresa Gutierrez Aleman who attended a Family Nursing Externship in Switzerland with Dr. Janice Bell (Canada), Barbara Preusse-Bleuler (Switzerland), and Dr. Lorraine Wright (Canada).
Photo below of the article that was published in the Spanish nursing journal.
