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The RCN HCA and AP Team

HCAs and APs are an integral part of the nursing team, and the RCN has a national team dedicated to supporting and developing HCAs and APs. This team, together with colleagues throughout the organisation, works to ensure that HCAs and APs have access to specific resources to meet their learning and development needs. The team also supports the RCN Health Practitioner Committee to help develop RCN policy, put the College's priorities into action and contribute the perspectives of health care assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs) into RCN strategy and planning.

If you have any information or views you would like to pass onto the team, please contact them at hca@rcn.org.uk.

We're also keen for you to get involved in shaping the content of future issues of the HCA and AP magazine and e-updates and to hear your thoughts. Please let us know what you think by sending an email to hca@rcn.org.uk

If you feel passionate about something or have a burning issue you want to address, why not write an article for the next issue of the newsletter? It’s a great way to share your thoughts with colleagues and gain experience of writing for an audience. Whatever it is you want to write, our editorial team will be on hand and happy to help. Send an email to hca@rcn.org.uk in the first instance and someone will get back to you to discuss your idea.

RCN Direct

If you are an RCN member, RCN Direct is a source of comprehensive information and advice on a whole range of issues, including legal, employment relations and nursing practice. It is also a portal to guidance on careers and welfare and specialist best practice advice.

You can telephone RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 in the UK, or +44 20 7647 3456 if you are calling from abroad. The advice helpline is available between 8.30am and 8.30pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Members can visit the online advice centre for guidance and support on a range of employment, legal and professional issues. You can also email with your query.

The RCN Discussion Zone

You may want to talk to colleagues about your experiences or the latest updates in your area of work. The RCN Discussion Zone is the best way to do this. This is an online discussion forum that allows you to air your views within the safety of the RCN community. Only members are allowed access so you know you’ll always be talking to people from a nursing background.