Health care support workers/assistant practitioners

Health care support workers (HCSWs) and assistant practitioners (APs) are hugely valued members of the RCN and the nursing team. They can join the RCN if their routine health or social care work is delegated to them by a registered nurse or midwife, or they have a qualification in health and care level three of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications framework.

Scottish Health Care Assistant/Assistant Practitioner (HCA/AP) Network

RCN Scotland is committed to ensuring RCN HCSW and AP members have the opportunity to develop their practice and have their voice heard. The RCN HCA/AP Network helps to achieve these aims. Join the network today to receive:

  • regular local updates via email
  • an invitation to our free annual development / networking event
  • the opportunity to contribute your voice on the issues which really matter to you.

Joining the network is free so why not fill out our online form. You can find out more about the HCA/AP Network HCA / AP network, send an email to Allan Wallace or phone 0131 662 6154.

Supporting Better Care

Supporting Better Care is a development programme for all HCSWs/care assistants to enhance their knowledge and practice and therefore extend their competence and confidence in direct care. The programme is free to RCN HCSW members and covers a range of subjects vital to the provision of high quality care. OnSupporting Better Care you will develop your knowledge and skills on a range of topics including nutrition, dignity, and patient safety. You can find out more about Supporting Better Care.

To find out more email to Susan Watt, RCN Learning and Development Co-ordinator - Professional Practice, or telephone 0131 662 6152.

Codes of practice and guidance

NHS employees: Codes of practice are in place to protect all HCSWs/care assistants as employees and provide best practice guidelines for employers. If you are an NHS employee you can find out more about the codes of practice and guidance, on the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) website.

Independent sector and social care employees: If you are registered by social care you can find out more about the codes of practice and guidance, on the Scottish Social Service Council website.