Competence in the nursing profession is practicing not only with technical skill but also with kindness and compassion according to Professor Derek Sellman, Director of Philosophical Nursing Research, University of Alberta, Canada, who spoke at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 32nd Annual Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Conference.

In his keynote address, ‘Competence in Times of Austerity', Professor Sellman, author of the book ‘What Makes a Good Nurse', highlighted the importance of keeping focused on both kindness and compassion and not just technical skills, which are often the main focus of competency in times of austerity.

Approximately 130 nurses and midwives attended the RCSI's 32nd Annual International Nursing and Midwifery Conference entitled ‘Nursing Development in Times of Austerity', which took place on Thursday, 21 February 2013.

Speakers from North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East and Ireland delivered presentations on the latest developments on a range of topics including nurse-led service developments; oncology; wound management and tissue viability; palliative care; mental health; and midwifery and women's health.

Professor Seamus Cowman, Head of the Faculty and School of Nursing and Midwifery at RCSI, said: "The RCSI 32nd annual international conference represents an exciting opportunity for nurses and midwives to come together to discuss the very latest evidence based practice and new research. Given the current challenges in our health care environment, it is very encouraging to see an increasing number of Irish nurses and midwives presenting alongside our international colleagues. This is a positive indicator for the future of the nursing and midwifery professions in Ireland."

The conference opened yesterday evening with an opening address from Mr. Tommy Gorman, RTE Correspondent, followed by the conferring of an Honorary Fellowship on Professor Rowaida Al-Ma'aitah, Professor of Nursing at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. An internationally noted and eminent member of the nursing profession, Professor Al-Ma'aitah's notable achievements include being first Jordanian woman to be appointed as University President, University Vice-President, Director General of a 600 bedded teaching hospital and Dean in the academic sector. Three times a Senator in the Upper House of the Jordanian Parliament, in October 2011, Professor Al-Ma'aitah was the first woman to be appointed as Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research with a portfolio for the responsibility of the organisation and regulation of vocational education and training.