Royal College of Nursing

Royal College of Nursing: union representation and professional development for nursing

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) presents itself as the world's largest nursing union and professional body. It brings together more than half a million nurses, midwives, nursing support workers and students who, according to the organisation, work together to advance the profession. Its activity combines employment representation with support services, training and clinical resources for its members.

Employment representation and advocacy for the profession

The RCN carries out trade union and professional representation work. Its stated priorities include negotiating fair pay, safe staffing and defending safe nurse-to-patient ratios in all settings. The organisation maintains that patient care is put at unacceptable risk when there are too few nurses and advocates setting limits on the number of patients a nurse can safely care for. It also campaigns on working conditions, health and wellbeing, and encourages professionals to raise their concerns.

Services and member support

The organisation offers a range of services for its members, including an indemnity scheme, legal advice, member support services, tax relief on membership fees and discounts. In the employment field, it provides guidance on NHS and independent health and social care employment, as well as on pay, pensions and rights such as sick leave, annual leave and working time. It has advice guides and a counselling team that members can contact.

Professional development and clinical resources

The RCN has educational programmes and professional development services, scholarships and bursaries, and career frameworks for nurses, support workers and students. It manages clinical resources and publications, collaborates with NICE and offers training through RCN Learn, with leadership and nursing practice programmes. It also addresses NMC revalidation and maintains a portfolio for those who revalidate and for those who do not. The organisation has a library with member services, subject guides, archives and a search facility for books and journals, and publishes RCN Magazine, podcasts and blogs.

Structure, offices and participation

The organisation operates in the United Kingdom and has offices in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London, as well as national sections for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and various regions in England. Members can participate as representatives, student ambassadors or through forums and networks, and the organisation holds elections, awards and consultations. Its events include congresses and conferences such as RCN Congress, the RCN Advanced Nurse Practitioner Conference, the RCN Fertility Nursing Conference, Nursing Live, the RCN Nurse-Led Innovations and Quality Improvement Conference, the RCN Student Ambassador Conference, the RCN Nursing Support Workers' Day Conference and the RCN and SOM Occupational Health Nursing Conference, among others.

Publications and current affairs

The RCN maintains a news section and a magazine with content on professional, clinical and wellbeing topics. Among the issues covered are NHS job evaluation, social care reform, nursing education and polycystic ovary syndrome. The organisation also publishes statements from its General Secretary and its President, and updates on its institutional activity.