From November 11–13, 2024, the Seventh Nordic Forum for Nurse Educators (Nordic Forum for Nurse Educators 2024) took place in Akureyri. The conference was organized by the School of Health, Business, and Science at the University of Akureyri in collaboration with Akureyri Hospital and the NORDPLUS MEDICO network. It brought together educators, professionals, and scholars from the Nordic and Baltic countries.

Technology in Nursing Education at the Forefront

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the impact of technology on nursing education. Participants had a unique opportunity to explore the latest trends in this field. Among the keynote speakers were Dr. Hafsteinn Einarsson, Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science at the University of Iceland, who discussed artificial intelligence in nursing education, and Helena Sigurðardóttir, an educational consultant at the University of Akureyri, who emphasized how digital solutions can enhance teaching methods. Additionally, the program featured a variety of presentations on technology, learning environments, and the development of pedagogical methods, sparking lively discussions.

Akureyri’s Unique Role in Education and Healthcare

The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and the healthcare system, with Akureyri Hospital serving as a key supporter of the event. The partnership between Akureyri Hospital and the University of Akureyri in integrating technology into education and healthcare has proven highly effective.

Networking and Vision for the Future

The forum provided a platform for educators, academics, and professionals to strengthen collaboration and share experiences. Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by the increasing role of technology in healthcare education. Guests from the Nordic and Baltic countries emphasized the value of sharing best practices and innovations in this field.

A Highly Successful Conference

The conference concluded by underscoring the importance of innovation in nursing education and the need for robust collaboration between educational and healthcare institutions. It also demonstrated how smaller towns can serve as hubs for progressive discussions and developments on an international stage.“We are very pleased that Akureyri was chosen to host this conference,” said Þórhalla Sigurðardóttir, a specialist in emergency nursing at Akureyri Hospital and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Akureyri, and Kolbrún Sigurlásdóttir, Project Manager for Clinical Nursing Education at the University of Akureyri. “This is a valuable platform for supporting innovation in education and healthcare.”The event marks a milestone for nursing education in the Nordic countries, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology to improve education and the working environment for nurses.