What the RCN does | Royal College of Nursing (2024)

FAQs

What is the RCN value of nursing? ›

The nursing profession has four fundamental responsibilities under its International and UK Codes. These are to prioritise people; practice effectively; preserve safety; and promote professionalism and trust to promote health, prevent illness, restore health and alleviate suffering.

By becoming a member of the BFS and RCN, you gain access to diverse avenues for continuous learning and development, encompassing workshops, webinars, conferences, and continuing education opportunities.

We represent the professional interests of nursing staff working in the public, private and voluntary sectors. We are on the NHS Staff Council, which negotiates pay, terms and conditions for NHS staff, and can also bargain for pay, terms and conditions with independent sector organisations.

Notably the RCN offers a tailored support programme for nurses with a dedicated education and development section and the opportunity to be part of different clinical practice committees. UNISON, on the other hand, is a strong union group with experience in representing many trades alongside health professionals.

Whether you're a nurse, midwife, HCA, AP or student, you can get a huge range of benefits when you join the RCN.

The 6 Cs – care, compassion, courage, communication, commitment, competence - are a central part of 'Compassion in Practice', which was first established by NHS England Chief Nursing Officer, Jane Cummings, in December 2017.

Benefits of RCN membership

By joining the RCN, you'll benefit both professionally and personally, and with access to our helpline, we'll be here when you need us. Membership costs just £16.40 per month - or £8.20 per month for first year newly registered nurses in their first year of registration with the NMC.

Join the Royal College of Nursing

As the world's largest nursing trade union and professional body, we're here by your side at every step of your nursing journey. View the video to learn more about membership benefits.

In 1939, King George VI conferred the title 'Royal' on the RCN and we played a vital role in ensuring the supply of nurses through the war Emergency Committee. Today, we are honoured to be the largest professional association and union for nursing staff in the world.

Who runs the Royal College of Nursing? ›

Professor Pat Cullen, General Secretary & Chief Executive

In a career that has spanned both hospital and community settings, Pat was Assistant Director of Mental Health Services and Professional Head of Nursing in a local health care trust before joining the Department of Health as Nursing Officer in 2001.

BSN-educated nurses tend to have lower mortality rates, higher chances of success in cardiac arrest, as well as increased diagnostic accuracy. Hospitals place a high priority on patient safety and treatment quality, and BSN nurses play a critical role in both patient outcomes and safety.

One of the most important values of nursing is to respect the dignity of their patients. This means treating patients with kindness and thoughtfulness as you provide care, and remembering to consider their emotions about the situation as you talk with them, care for them and educate them about their health.

As an RCN member, you can get free, confidential help and advice on a range of issues that affect you at home and work. This includes: career coaching. counselling.

By becoming certified, nurses validate their expert knowledge and skills and therefore position themselves for appropriate recognition, advancement and a critical sense of confidence and achievement. RN licensure measures entry-level competence.

Advanced level nursing practice has four pillars of practice, which the advanced practitioner must have as part of their core role and function. These four pillars are: Clinical/direct care • Leadership and collaborative practice • Improving quality and developing practice • Developing self and others.