Patient focus - RCN support

Publications

The following are selected publications from the RCN and are downloadable from the RCN website. Other titles can be accessed from the publications area on the RCN website.

The lists on the RCN website are arranged in alphabetical order of title. The following list is arranged firstly by publication date order (most recent first), and then alphabetically by title.

Some of the resources on this page are in PDF format - see how to access PDF files.

Person-centred care: Principle of Nursing Practice D (2011) (PDF 560KB)
This article was published by the Nursing Standard as part of an introductory series on the Principles of Nursing Practice.
Manley K et al (2011) Person-centred care: Principle of Nursing Practice D. Nursing Standard 25(31) 6 April pp.35-37.

Speaking out. Whistleblowing hotline (2011) (PDF 536KB)
RCN advice on helping you give the best care you can, to help you protect patients and to protect you if you raise concerns over patient care.

A Dignity Charter for RCN members (2010) (56KB)
Dignity has been a core theme for the RCN for some time. Members and staff should treat each other with dignity and respect, care and consideration, as well as valuing the rich diversity that everyone brings to the RCN. This charter sets out the rights and responsibilities of all RCN members in relation to their interaction with each other and with RCN staff. It also includes some specific rights and responsibilities of all RCN activists.

Defending dignity (2008) (2.2MB)
This survey investigated participants' awareness of dignity and the barriers that prevent dignified care being given to patients and clients in a wide range of environments. It includes recommendations for action from government, organisations and individuals. This poster can be ordered free of charge from RCN Direct.

Dignity - a pocket guide (2008) (PDF 1.8MB)
Quick portable reference to make dignity a priority when on the go, contains the RCN definition of dignity and quick and simple ideas to get you thinking about how dignity relates to ‘places, people and processes’. For more dignity related publications visit RCN Publications.

Workplace resources for Practice Development (2007) - This is a paper-based collection of practical tools and guidance on practice development designed to help you evaluate your own practice and the evidence you use in decision-making. For further details about the RCN Workplace resources for practice development, email: pd@rcn.org.uk or telephone: 01865 787129.

Patient choice, patient outcomes and nurse staffing (2006) (PDF 76.7KB)
A discussion paper from the RCN's Policy Unit which aims to prompt further debate and help the RCN move the patient choice agenda forward, particularly with respect to providing the right information to the right patients at the right time.

Multimedia: Using telephone advice for patients with long-term conditions (2012) (PDF 1.43MB)
This range of publications has been developed to help nursing staff utilise technology to complement their clinical practice. The publications cover telephone advice lines, text messaging, websites and telehealth monitoring.

Nutritional care in hospital (2005) (Word 1.43MB)
In April 2004, NHS Estates commissioned research into the nutritional care of hospital patients from two researchers at the RCN Institute, Jan Savage and Cherill Scott. They undertook an ethnographic study on a general medical ward; data collection took place over a six-month period. The final report, published in May 2005, is based on detailed observation of ward mealtimes; interviews with staff and patients; and analysis of documents, including nursing notes. It draws conclusions about the education and responsibilities of registered nurses in relation to nutritional care, and suggests how organisation can help nurses to improve standards in this area.

Nutrition report details: Savage J & Scott C (2005) Patients' nutritional care in hospital: An ethnographic study of nurses' role and patients' experience. RCN Institute, London.

Real choice in the health service: an RCN discussion document (2005) (PDF 167KB)
This document contains four essays from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Policy Unit and Professional Nursing Department which examine some of the key issues for nurses and patients as the Government rolls out its Choice initiative. The publication represents current RCN thinking on issues around choice and consumerism and invites discussion and debate on the implications of the patient choice policy for the future funding and delivery of a national health service.

Blowing the whistle: Information for nurses (2004) (PDF 112KB)
A difficulty some nursing staff face is not being able to speak out when they believe something is seriously wrong in their workplace. Many feel they may be victimised and that they need protection if they are to raise their concerns. This leaflet summarises the whistle-blowing legislation and describes how nursing staff can disclose facts about work situations that are causing them concern.

Diversity appraisal resource guide: helping employers, RCN officers and representatives promote diversity in the workplace (2002) (PDF 280KB)
This publication provides guidance for employers, RCN officers and representatives to promote diversity in the workplace.