The International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists: 10 years later.

In 1978, 2 European nurse anesthetists attended the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). Their interest in international cooperation among nurse anesthetists and AANA's agreement planted the seed for what would later become the International Federal of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA). In this article we describe the history, philosophy, objectives, and functions of the IFNA. We also address the role of a nurse anesthetist worldwide, educational and research activities, and the importance of networking with other organizations. The article concludes with steps toward globalization of the profession and the future of the IFNA.