Aims: To propose definitions of global health and global nursing that reflect the new paradigm that integrates domestic and international health.
Background: Increased globalization has led to expanded awareness of the importance of global health and global nursing among students and faculty in the health professions and among policymakers and practitioners.
Design: Discussion paper that includes a discussion and review of the literature related to global health and global nursing.
Data sources: A task force searched for and reviewed articles published in English, Spanish or Portuguese between 2005-2015, developed summaries, listed key elements, identified prevalent themes and developed consensus definitions.
Implications for nursing: The definitions will be used by the Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing to guide promoting a voice and vision for nursing that will contribute to the advancement of the profession's contribution to global health.
Conclusions: Definitions of global health and global nursing were developed based on main themes and concepts identified in the literature review to guide contributions of nursing to global health.
Keywords: definition; global health; global nursing.
© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.