The presidency of the International Council of Nurses reached a milestone in 1985 when Nelly Garzón Alarcón took office during the 18th Congress in Tel Aviv, Israel. As the first Latin American nurse to lead this global organization, she directed significant efforts toward primary health care initiatives during a pivotal era for international medical standards.
Academic Foundation and Early Training
Born in La Mesa, Cundinamarca, on March 8, 1932, Garzón Alarcón pursued her initial clinical education at the National University of Colombia, where she earned a general nursing degree in 1958. She subsequently expanded her expertise through master's studies at the Catholic University of America, located in Washington, D.C.
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Her influence extended to the World Health Organization, which awarded her the Health for All Medal in 1988 for her work in promoting primary health care goals. This marked the first instance of the WHO presenting such a medal to a nurse. She also served as a fellow of the Nightingale Society and received the Nell J. Watts Life Time Achievement Nursing Award in 2015 from the Sigma Global Nursing Excellence organization.
Legal and Ethical Regulation
Garzón Alarcón played a primary role in shaping the legal framework for the nursing profession in Colombia. She served as the first female president of the National Ethical Court of Nursing from 1997 to 2006. Her legislative contributions included the establishment of Law 266 of 1996 and the Nursing Ethics Law, known as Law 911, enacted in 2006.
Later Academic Career
She returned to the National University of Colombia as a professor for postgraduate programs, a position she held until 2006. In 2007, she founded the Upsilon Nu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International at the university. Her service was formally recognized by the institution in 2011 with the conferral of a Doctorate Honoris Causa. She also acted as the STTI Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean between 2011 and 2013.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 March 1932, La Mesa
- Died: 17 April 2019, Bogotá
- Education: National University of Colombia, Catholic University of America
- Presidency: International Council of Nurses, 1985
- Key Legislation: Law 266 of 1996 and Law 911 of 2006
- WHO Honor: Health for All Medal, 1988
Questions readers ask
Was Nelly Garzón Alarcón the first South American president of the ICN?
Yes, she was the first Latin American nurse to hold the position of president of the International Council of Nurses.
What major legislative acts did she help establish?
She directed the legal regulation of nurses in Colombia, specifically establishing Law 266 of 1996 and the Nursing Ethics Law, Law 911 of 2006.