Royal College of Nursing

bit.lyRCN Awards nominations open now | News | Royal College of NursingMake a colleague’s day – nominate them for one of our 2027 awards today

Who inspires you? Help us put the spotlight on our most brilliant members this year by nominating them for an RCN Award. 🏆 Discover all the awards categories and find out how you can nominate someone 👇 #RCNAwards2027

rcn.org.ukAdvancing race equity in the workplace | Royal College of NursingInformation, inspiration and guidance to help advance race equity for yourself, your nursing colleagues and the health care system as a whole.

Our 'Taking time to talk toolkit' offers information, inspiration and guidance to help you personally advance race equity for yourself, your colleagues and the health care system as a whole. Explore the resource in full. ⬇️ #BlackHistoryMonth

rcn.org.ukRCN Perioperative Care Conference | Royal College of NursingJoin perioperative nurses and multidisciplinary teams for expert-led education, practical updates and professional development in perioperative care.

Booking is now open for the RCN Perioperative Care Conference 2027. Join us as we explore ‘The Future of Theatre Nursing: Safety, Skill, and Innovation’, and accrue up to 7 hours CPD. • 23 February 2027 • RCN HQ Secure your spot ⬇️

rcn.org.ukConfidence: the skill you can grow | RCN Magazine | Royal College of NursingWhether you’ve lost or lack confidence, it's not out of reach. Confidence is a skill you can grow. Here's how

Even experienced nursing staff can face moments of self-doubt. Confidence isn't about never feeling uncertain. It can look like asking for help, speaking up in a meeting, or understanding your strengths or weaknesses. Read more in our latest wellbeing feature ⬇️

rcn.org.ukInvesting in the health and wealth of the nation | Royal College of NursingRCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger reflects on the Northern Ireland pay ballot, looks ahead to the upcoming UK Budget and urges the Westminster government to invest in nursing.

In our latest blog, General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger reflects on the Northern Ireland pay ballot, looks ahead to the upcoming UK Budget and urges the Westminster government to invest in nursing. Read it here ⬇️

rcnlearn.rcn.org.ukInfection prevention and control: information and adviceBelow is an interactive list of resource contents, clicking will navigate you to that resource page.

This week is International Infection Prevention Week #IIPW2026 ☑️ Infection prevention and control is key to patient safety and an integral element of reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Learn more and refresh your knowledge with our free resource ⬇️

Join one of our online sessions to find out about anti-racism work going on in your area, and tell us what support you need and how you want to see our UK-wide programme of training, guidance and support for nursing staff develop. Sign up ⬇️

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Ahead of the annual Budget next week, we’re urging the prime minister and chancellor to forgive graduate nurses' student loans. Find out why 🧵

bit.lyNursing student debt: immediate action needed | News | Royal College of NursingThe RCN is urging the prime minister and chancellor to forgive graduate nurses' student loans

Find out more about our proposed loan forgiveness scheme, and what else we're demanding from the government ahead of next week's budget ⬇️

On 24 November, RCN members will go to the Westminster Parliament to call on politicians to back the next generation of nurses. Join us and share your story directly with your MP in Parliament. Register your interest bit.ly/4jBBjJJ

Ahead of the annual Budget next week, we’re urging the prime minister and chancellor to forgive graduate nurses' student loans. Find out why 🧵

So now, we're urging the prime minister to act on his convictions and ensure the chancellor addresses the wrongs of the debt system for nurses.

Alongside loan forgiveness linked to years of service in the NHS or social care, we’re also calling for universal, uplifted maintenance grants that reflect the real cost of living. Backing nursing is an investment in both the nation's health and future prosperity.

Ahead of the annual Budget next week, we’re urging the prime minister and chancellor to forgive graduate nurses' student loans. Find out why 🧵

If applied to social care, we think this could have similar benefits - there are approximately 15,000 fewer registered nurses in the social care sector in England than there were in 2012.

In 2017, Andy Burnham told the RCN’s annual conference he opposed the introduction of tuition fees for nursing courses and backed a local loan forgiveness scheme for health care graduates in Greater Manchester.

Ahead of the annual Budget next week, we’re urging the prime minister and chancellor to forgive graduate nurses' student loans. Find out why 🧵

This isn’t about pitting doctors against nurses but tackling a deep injustice which makes it harder to attract and keep the nurses we desperately need. This unfair debt is harming recruitment and retention of nursing staff, risking plans for a national care service in England.

Estimates suggest that implementing loan forgiveness for nursing graduates this year would result in an extra 12,015 nurses working in the NHS, with staff staying in their jobs for up to a decade longer.

Ahead of the annual Budget next week, we’re urging the prime minister and chancellor to forgive graduate nurses' student loans. Find out why 🧵

Our recent analysis reveals that nurses in England are now graduating with more student debt than doctors, despite far shorter courses and nurses earning hundreds of thousands of pounds less over their careers.

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A few from our recent Know Your Worth roadshows 🌟 Our teams are out and about across to talk to you about the job evaluation process, and how it could lead to a pay rise. Find out more about our roadshows, and join one near you over the coming months ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ySBRjf

bit.lyGeneral practice nursing webinar: Influencing pay, terms and conditions in general practices | Royal College of NursingGeneral practice nursing webinar: Influencing pay, terms and conditions in general practice

General practice nursing members: join our next webinar for the latest on general practice pay, terms and conditions and what to expect throughout the remainder of this year. • Thursday 29 October • 13:00 - 14:00 Find out more ⬇️

bit.lyCOVID Inquiry: ‘Social care was so badly failed,’ RCN says | News | Royal College of NursingVulnerable people, nursing staff and care services were let down during the pandemic

The latest report from the COVID Inquiry is a “a damning assessment of how social care was so badly failed,” says Professor Nicola Ranger, our General Secretary and Chief Executive. Read our full response to the Module 6 report ⬇️

Today, adult social care still faces significant challenges. Nursing workforce shortages continue, along with poor pay, terms and conditions.

The legacy of this inquiry must be that we are better prepared. That means integrating adult social care into pandemic planning, with new investment in workforce and services coming now, not when it’s too late.

bit.lyCOVID Inquiry: ‘Social care was so badly failed,’ RCN says | News | Royal College of NursingVulnerable people, nursing staff and care services were let down during the pandemic

Nursing staff in social care were the constant presence during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many giving up their family lives to keep people safe and be with vulnerable people who would have otherwise been alone.

While staff faced huge risk, governments and key agencies failed staff in ways which were totally preventable. Our profession raised concerns from the outset but often went unheard. This must never be allowed to happen again.

rcn.org.ukBlack History Month | Royal College of NursingBlack History Month

There's still time to join some of our #BlackHistoryMonth events this October. Take a look at what's coming up in your area, and book your space ⬇️

“A proposed pay award of 2.4% is on course to be below inflation and would be a betrayal of nursing staff in our NHS,” says Professor Nicola Ranger, our General Secretary and Chief Executive, in response to recommendations published today. (1/2)

rcn.org.ukNursing pay: RCN responds to government pay evidence | News | Royal College of NursingA proposed 2.4% pay increase in England would do nothing to repair years of lost earnings for nursing staff, the RCN says

The Department of Health and Social Care has submitted its evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body, which sets out what it believes NHS staff should be paid and what it says the health service can afford in 2027-28. For nursing staff, the pay increase proposed is 2.4%. Read the full story ⬇

shop.rcn.org.ukNursing Support WorkersOur Nursing Support Workers' Collection allows you and your colleagues to promote and highlight the work of nursing support workers in your workplace.

Looking for ways to celebrate #NursingSupportWorkersDay? A badge is a great way to show your pride as a nursing support worker, or to show your appreciation for your nursing support colleagues. Order yours now 💛 https://bit.ly/4BgaT6I

Today is #WorldMenopauseDay 💟 Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) works to replace hormones that naturally decline during perimenopause and after menopause, helping to control the symptoms some women experience. Find out what you need to know in our explainer ➡️ https://bit.ly/3VT7338

“The key thing for Andy Burnham to do is to speak to the experts — nurses.” Specialist Sexual Health Nurse Antonia tells us what's top of her list for the Westminster government to address. 📢 What do you think?

Daphne Steele was the first Black matron to join the NHS, and her contributions to the nursing profession were rich. This week, 99 years after she was born, we're remembering her 'quiet revolutionary' impact on nursing. Read more about Daphne: https://bit.ly/4yrdI2d #BlackHistoryMonth

rcn.org.ukRCN Nurse-Led Innovations and Quality Improvement Conference 2026 | Royal College of Nursing

Are you developing an idea or looking to improve patient care? Our Nurse-Led Innovations and Quality Improvement Conference gives practical insights, inspiring speakers, and proven approaches to help you take the next step. Tuesday 17 November 2026 RCN HQ, London Book your place today 👇

rcn.org.ukAllyship: how to be a race ally in nursing | RCN Magazine | Royal College of NursingA quick guide to allyship, plus some everyday ways to support your colleagues

Being an ally means recognising and actively supporting under-represented groups, when you’re not a member of that group yourself. Read our quick guide to race allyship, and learn some everyday ways to support your colleagues. ⬇️ #BlackHistoryMonth

rcn.org.ukChair and Vice Chair of RCN Council announced | News | Royal College of NursingCarmel O'Boyle and Natalie Brooks have been re-elected to lead the RCN's governing body

Chair and Vice Chair of RCN Council announced 📣 Carmel O'Boyle has been re-elected as Chair of RCN Council, the College's governing body, while Natalie Brooks has also been re-elected as Vice Chair. Find out more ⬇️

upload.vloggi.comTell us why you love being a nursing support worker!Nursing Support Workers' Day is on 23 November 2026. It's our opportunity to celebrate the incredible difference you make every day. Share a short video with us. Whether it's a proud moment, a rewarding experience, or what being a nursing support worker means to you, we'd love to hear it.

Share your story with us for #NursingSupportWorkersDay! Tell us why you love what you do, how you’re celebrating, or what it means to you 💛⬇️ https://bit.ly/4hV9REl

The Health Bill: what is it and why should nursing staff care? Get all the details and find out what's next in our explainer ➡️ https://bit.ly/3SUpNyi

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rcn.org.ukRCN Awards nominations open now | News | Royal College of NursingMake a colleague’s day – nominate them for one of our 2027 awards today

✨ Nominations for the RCN Awards are open! ✨ Who inspires you? We’re looking for your nominations for our annual awards. Tell us about the RCN members you work with who bring dedication, skill and passion to their roles in the College. 🏆 Discover the awards categories and how to nominate 👇

rcn.org.ukWorkplace violence: legal questions answered | RCN Magazine|Royal College of Nursing | Royal College of NursingAn employer's liability, breaching confidentiality, refusing care, and how the RCN can help members make a personal injury claim

Workplace violence: your legal questions, answered. Violence and aggression towards nursing staff should never be tolerated. However, nursing roles often carry a higher risk of violent incidents than other professions. Learn more about your employer’s liability and how the RCN can help you. ⬇️

It’s #WorldMentalHealthDay. Here are 3 things you can encourage your employer to do to better support nursing staff’s mental health... 🧵

rcn.org.ukBLUE | Royal College of Nursing

3️⃣ Invite our play into your setting. BLUE is a 35-minute performance exploring mental health challenges experienced by nursing staff. Each performance is followed by a guided self-reflection and discussion session to explore what we can all do to better support mental health in the workplace.

rcn.org.ukSCoPE Practice Development Partnership programme | Royal College of NursingSCoPE Practice Development Partnership programme

Our Supporting Compassionate Practice Environments (SCoPE) framework helps create compassionate, psychologically safe working environments where staff feel supported. Read more about SCoPE and BLUE and find out how to commission these programmes in your workplace 🔗

It’s #WorldMentalHealthDay. Here are 3 things you can encourage your employer to do to better support nursing staff’s mental health... 🧵

1️⃣ Take time to check in regularly — not just about clinical performance, but about health and wellbeing. Nursing leaders should promote active listening without judgement and proactively refer staff to additional support when needed.

2️⃣ Remove barriers to breaks. All nursing staff should have the time and space for breaks, and a comfortable and relaxing space away from working areas to eat, drink and reset.

rcn.org.ukDementia care: using drama techniques to teach students | RCN Magazine | Royal College of NursingFormer actor turned nurse Laura uses acting techniques to build empathy and understanding

“I realised many of the techniques I’d used in drama were useful in nursing, particularly for dementia patients." Laura is combining the worlds of drama and nursing to create innovative learning experiences that challenge traditional approaches to nurse education. Learn more ⬇️

rcn.org.ukMental health reform won’t work without mental health nurses | Royal College of Nursing

Today, Professor Peter Fonagy’s independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism was published. Amber O’Brien, our Professional Lead for Mental Health, sets out why mental health nurses must be at the centre of what comes next. ⬇️

bit.lyCorridor care entrenched as NHS heads towards winter, says RCN as record high September records nearly 100,000 instances | Royal College of NursingCorridor care entrenched as NHS heads towards winter, says RCN as record high September records nearly 100,000 instances

📈 The latest data shows nearly 100,000 instances of corridor care in England in September. It’s the highest number of instances since data was first published.

bit.lyRCN Scotland says data on corridor care urgently needed to protect patients | News | RCN Scotland | Royal College of NursingNew report published shows the scale of corridor care and examines in detail exactly what is driving it.

Corridor care isn’t just an issue in England. We know this is impacting nursing staff and patients across the UK. That’s why we’re calling on the Scottish government to urgently start collecting data on care taking place in inappropriate places. Read more ⬇️