Useful publications
The following are just a selection of some of the publications available from the RCN.
For specific advice on a particular topic, look in A-Z of resources. To search for other RCN publications, click here.
Clinical practice guideline for the assessment and prevention of falls in older people (Publication code 002 771) - The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) commissioned the National Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Supportive Care (NCC-NSC) to develop guidelines on the assessment and prevention of falls in older people. This document describes the methods for developing the guidelines and presents the resulting recommendations. Some of the main areas examined by the guideline are: the evidence for factors that increase the risk of falling; the most effective methods of assessment and identification of older people at risk of falling; the most clinically and cost effective interventions and preventive strategies for the prevention of falls.
Competencies: an integrated career and competency framework for ophthalmic nursing (web only) (Publication code 002 770) - Written by ophthalmic nurses for ophthalmic nurses, this publication provides comprehensive information that will help nurses to provide a high standard of ophthalmic nursing throughout the UK. The publication explains what a competency framework is and how to use one; how to produce evidence of competence; and also provides a clear outline of the different levels of clinical practice.
Defining nursing (Publication code 001 983) - This definition of nursing forms part of a position statement published by the RCN. Defining nursing describes why and how this definition was developed, and explains its key concepts.
Interpreting accountability (Publication code 002 249) - An ethnographic study of practice nurses, accountability and multidisciplinary team decision-making in the context of clinical governance.
Making a pay claim if you work outside of the NHS (Publication code 002 763) - One in four RCN members works outside of the NHS and the RCN believes that they too should have a pay system that delivers fair pay and career development and is competitive with the NHS. It is, however, unlikely that those members employed outside of the NHS will automatically benefit from AfC. The RCN has, subsequently, developed a tool to help those individuals or groups of individuals raise the issue of AfC with their employer.
Many employers may not be aware of the detail or scope of the new AfC package and it is, therefore, important that nurses work with them to understand the package and how it can be beneficial to them as employers and service providers. In order to make an effective claim, individuals need to present their request in a concise manner with clear rationale for making the claim. The tool provides a draft letter and a pro-forma pay claim.
Maxi nurses: nurses working in advanced and extended roles promoting and developing patient-centred health care (Publication code 002 511) - Following on from a joint RCN and Department of Health survey, this publication looks in detail at a number of nurses from across the UK who are pushing forward the boundaries of nursing. They describe in their own words what they do, why they are excited about their jobs and the impact they are having on patient care.
Promoting excellence in care through research and development: an RCN position statement (Publication code 002 279) - Excellence in patient care is dependent on both research and development (R&D). Without R&D, health care practitioners would not be able to build the sound evidence base needed to underpin practice. This applies equally to the knowledge and skills necessary to develop their practice and new knowledge and understanding. This position statement highlights how research and development are essential in the delivery of excellence in patient care.
A short history of Mary Seacole (Publication code 002 499) - Mary Seacole: nurse, herbalist, boarding house proprietor, traveller and business woman. This formidable Victorian overcame innumerable hurdles – not least the innate racist attitudes of her time – to provide care for soldiers in the Crimean War, thousands of miles from her home in Jamaica.
Most nurses and midwives are taught about the distinguished accomplishments of Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War, but very few will have learned about Mary Seacole. However, recent years have witnessed the start of a colossal increase in the national profile of Mary Seacole.
The Royal College of Nursing celebrates the bicentenary of Mary Seacole’s birth in 1805 with this accessible guide to her life. Author Professor Elizabeth Anionwu, Head of the Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing Practice at Thames Valley University, also looks at Seacole’s impact in the nineteenth century and on subsequent nursing history.
Key figures from the RCN, including President Sylvia Denton OBE FRCN, General Secretary Dr Beverly Malone, and former Nursing Officer at the Department of Health, Dr Nola Ishmael OBE, add their own comments on the relevance of Mary Seacole for today’s world of nursing.
This easily digestible RCN guide to Seacole’s life is an invaluable resource for all nursing staff. It is available to purchase for £4.50. To order your copy phone RCN Direct on 0845 772 6100 and quote publication code 002 499.