Link to IFNA Website

Interesting information and background on the World Congress of Nurse Anaesthetists

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With a fresh start into the new year for 2025, we would like to provide you with some interesting information and background on the World Congress of Nurse Anaesthetists and what you can expect to see for WCNA 2026 hosted in Brisbane, Australia next year.

WCNA 2026 Hosts

Hosted by the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA) and cohosted by the Australasian College of PeriAnaesthesia Nurses (ACPAN), the 15th World Congress of Nurse Anaesthetists (WCNA) will be held in Australia for the first time. The congress will take place in Brisbane from 7 to 9 May 2026, bringing together perianaesthesia nurses, world-leading specialists and colleagues from across the globe for a comprehensive scientific program, social events, and networking opportunities. IFNA, founded in 1989, is an international organization representing nurse anesthetists globally. Its mission is to advance educational standards and practices in anesthesiology to improve anesthesia care worldwide. Recognised as the authoritative voice for nurse anesthetists, IFNA cooperates with relevant institutions and supports the profession's contributions to global healthcare. It also advocates for nurse anesthetists in healthcare policy, emphasising their essential role. ACPAN is the leading professional body for perianaesthesia nurses in Australia and New Zealand. Established to promote professional development, education, and a strong community and support system for ACPAN members by encouraging the participation in accredited education events, certification, and collaboration with national and international organizations. Discover more about IFNA Discover more about ACPAN What to expect for the WCNA 2026 Program The WCNA 2026 Program will cover a range of insightful topics in perianaesthesia, specifically looking at: ✔️ Industry Innovations & Technology ✔️ Regional Anaesthesia ✔️ Pain Management ✔️ Paediatric and Obstetric Anaesthesia ✔️ Interactive workshops ✔️ Safety & Sustainability ✔️ Anaesthesia Care Techniques ✔️ Leadership ✔️ Pathology ✔️ Geriatrics ✔️ Pharmacology ✔️ Healthcare Policy Check out the current program outline here WCNA 2026 Partnership Opportunities If you are interesting in enquiring about exhibiting or supporting the World Congress of Nurse Anaesthetists 2026, please contact the WCNA 2026 Partnership Manager c/o MCI Australia at: [email protected] State Host Destination Partner Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) is a statutory body of the Queensland Government and the state’s lead marketing, tourism experience and destination development and major events agency. WCNA 2026 Koala Competition is live! We are very excited to officially publish the full instructions for the WCNA 2026 Koala Competition. The complete list of entry requirements can be found on our social media channels. If winning the Ultimate Koala Experience in Brisbane, plus a personalised WCNA stuffed koala and 1 x complimentary WCNA 2026 registration sounds of interest to you, click below to see the competition post and follow the instructions on how to enter! The WCNA 2026 Koala Competition will run continuously up until 9am AEST May 1 2026 and the winner will be contacted accordingly. Enter the Koala Competition now! Submit your Abstract! Make the most of the opportunity to submit your abstract for WCNA 2026 before 31 July 2025. Our Scientific Program committee will be accepting a wide range of abstracts, from case reports, evidence-based practice, to invention / innovation, qualitative or quantitative research and quality improvement. The two presentation types on offer for abstracts are: Free communication Poster presentation Abstract Guidelines □ Keep up to date with WCNA on Socials □ Australian College of PeriAnaesthesia Nurses - ACPAN

WCNA 2026

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The IFNA was founded in 1989, by 11 countries with a specific nurse anesthesia education programme.  It currently has 43 country members.  The IFNA is an international organisation representing nurse anaesthetists and dedicated to the advancement of educational standards and practices which advance the science of anaesthesiology and enhance quality anaesthesia care worldwide.  The IFNA has developed Standards of Education, Practice and a Code of Ethics for Nurse Anesthetists.  Models of Nurse Anesthesia programme curriculum have been prepared by the Education Committee.  IFNA is now an Affiliate member to ICN [International Council of Nursing].  The IFNA hosts the World Congress of Nurse Anesthetists [WCNA] every four years in different locations throughout the world where all perianaesthesia nurses benefit from excellent presentations and the chance to share ideas about practice with our international colleagues.  The next Congress is in Sibenik, Croatia in 2022.

BARNA became the official UK representative to the IFNA in 1995.  In 2016 BARNA hosted the excellent 12th WCNA in Glasgow.  Manda Dunne is the UK representative to IFNA and is a member of the Executive Committee. 

List of previous Congresses 
2022 : Sibenik, Croatia
​2018 : Budapest, Hungary
2016 : Glasgow, Scotland

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