The Irish Nurses Cardiovascular Association (INCA) was formed in September 1996. Originally a sub-group of the Nurses Hypertension Association, the founder members subsequently felt that a "broader" perspective for nurses working in the cardiovascular area was required. The Association was formed to encourage nurses working within this area to meet on a regular basis and to exchange views and research on their work. Over the years membership numbers and activities have grown steadily and the focus of the Association has evolved to encompass the broad range of cardiovascular nursing specialities. The INCA is now the major scientific group for nurses working in the field of cardiovascular disease.

We hold an Annual Scientific Meeting, an autumn evening meeting, E.C.G. Study Days and issue 3-4 newsletters per year. Members are invited to present oral and poster presentations and to share knowledge and research findings within the field.

The aim of the Association is to provide a forum for education, communication and research development among members working in the field of cardiovascular nursing.

The objective of the Association is to keep members informed of new developments relating to cardiovascular disease and to promote and provide ongoing research and education for nurses. The objective is also to enhance the standards of nursing care and nursing research.

Constitution
  1. The name of the group shall be Irish Nurses’ Cardiovascular Association (INCA)
  2. The Association shall promote the advancement of knowledge and dissemination of information concerning cardiovascular disease and aim to raise the nursing profile in that area.
  3. Membership shall be open to Registered General Nurses currently specialising, researching or who are working in the primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Non voting category of membership shall be Associate and Honorary members but cannot attend Annual General Meeting. Registered nurses from overseas are welcome. Non-voting associate membership available to other disciplines.
  4. Members shall pay an annual subscription which can be changed with a simple majority vote at an annual business meeting. A registration fee in addition to the annual subscription will cover admission to the Scientific Meetings. This fee will be decided annually at the discretion of the committee.
  5. Membership shall automatically cease upon failure to pay annual subscription by the 31 January each year.
  6. At least one meeting shall be convened in each calendar year, at which a business meeting shall also be held.
  7. An Executive Committee of no less than 9 and no more than 15 persons, maintaining an odd number, shall be elected at the annual business meeting as follows – this Committee will then elect the office bearers which shall include President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Scientific Secretary, Treasurer and Public Relations Officer.
  8. The President shall not be eligible for immediate re-election of PresidentVice President. Ordinary members of the committee shall retire after 2 years, but remain eligible for re-election as office bearers. It is proposed that no more than 4 office bearers change in any given year.
  9. Ex-Officers of the committee may remain on in an advisory role.
  10. The Executive Committee shall supervise the affairs of the group and arrange meetings.
  11. Nominations for election to the executive committee shall be supported by at least 2 members and submitted in writing to the Secretary at least 2 weeks before the annual business meeting.
  12. Members of the executive committee who retire before the end of their term of office may be replaced by co-option at the discretion of the remaining members of the executive committee.
  13. Five members of the executive committee shall constitute a quorum.
  14. A postal vote may be held on any relevant issue at the discretion of the executive committee.
  15. Changes to the constitution must be proposed in writing to the Secretary at least one month before the annual business meeting. For an amendment to be adopted it must be passed by a 2/3 majority of the members present and voting at the annual business meeting.
  16. The group may be dissolved by a resolution passed by a 23 majority of those present and voting at a special general meeting convened for the purpose of which 21 days notice has been given to members. Such resolution may be given instructions for the disposal of any assets held by, or in the name of the group, provided that if any property remains after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, such property shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of the group, but shall be given or transferred to such other charitable institution.
  17. Committee members must attend at least 50% of committee meetings annually. If not they are automatically removed from the committee.
  18. The Irish Representative to the European Society of Cardiology Nurses Working Group to sit on committee as honouree member