Publications and research
Please be advised that you can download all electronic publications from the RCN free of charge. If you wish to order a hard copy of a publication we would be pleased to send you a copy but this will entail a small charge. For more details and to order a hard copy publication please call 0345 772 6100 and select option 3.
All publications are in PDF format - see how to access PDF files.
Copyright
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For specific titles relating to work the RCN has done in conjunction with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence please visit our clinical guidelines section.
Publications title search
Latest RCN publications
Infertility provision in England. Policy Briefing 16/2009 (PDF 419.5 KB)
Publication code: 003 571
Publication date: 14 December 2009
ISBN:
Abstract:
This policy briefing looks at the provision of infertility treatment in England. Around one in six couples in the UK have problems conceiving and over three million babies have been born world-wide as a result of IVF. This new policy briefing says that full implementation of the NICE guidelines on IVF treatment would help many couples who are unable to conceive naturally. The briefing discusses how patient safety would be improved by implementing the NICE guidelines. It also highlights the key role that specialist nurses play in IVF, as they care for and inform the patient during what can be a highly emotional and stressful treatment.
Nursing and the economic downturn a roundtable discussion (PDF 573.3 KB)
Publication code: 003 559
Publication date: 10 November 2009
ISBN: 978-1-906633-29-5
Abstract:
This is a summary of the roundtable discussion on Nursing and the economic downturn which was held on 25 August 2009 at RCN headquarters in London.
Legal advice on using the internet (PDF 253.5 KB)
Publication code: 003 564
Publication date: 9 November 2009
ISBN:
Abstract:
Information technology, and the internet in particular, is now an integral part of our daily lives, and almost everyone will have access to a computer at work, and very often at home as well. However, employers and professional bodies are becoming increasingly alert to the potential abuse of the internet. The growing popularity of social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, Bebo and Twitter has raised the risks of a health care worker experiencing potentially serious legal and professional repercussions through the inappropriate use (if only inadvertently) of this recent technology. This guide gives a list of do’s and don’ts for using the internet – and information on the risks and repercussions if used inappropriately.
Nurses' employment and morale: Wales 2009. Employment Survey (PDF 631.3 KB)
Publication code: 003 567
Publication date: 6 November 2009
ISBN: 978-1-906633-33-2
Abstract:
This report describes the findings for Wales from the 22nd RCN employment survey of a sample of RCN members. This year, as in 2007, 9,000 nurses from across the UK were surveyed. The RCN membership is broadly representative of the nursing workforce as a whole, thus the results of this survey of members in Wales can be taken to broadly reflect the UK and Wales nursing populations more generally. This report seeks to describe the employment characteristics of nurses in 2009, and identify changes in the employment behaviour and morale of the nursing workforce in Wales.
Nurses employment and morale: Scotland 2009. Employment Survey (PDF 615.3 KB)
Publication code: 003 565
Publication date: 30 October 2009
ISBN: 978-1-906633-32-5
Abstract:
This report describes the findings for Scotland from the 22nd RCN employment survey of a sample of RCN members. This year, as in 2007, 9,000 nurses from across the UK were surveyed (including 1400 identified as living in Scotland). The RCN membership is broadly representative of the nursing workforce as a whole, thus the results of this survey of members in Scotland can be taken to broadly reflect the UK and Scotland nursing populations more generally. This report seeks to describe the employment characteristics of nurses in 2009, and identify changes in the employment behaviour and morale of the nursing workforce in Scotland.
Work-related stress. A good practice guide for RCN representatives (PDF 1.3 MB)
Publication code: 003 531
Publication date: 8 October 2009
ISBN: 978-1-906633-30-1
Abstract:
Work related stress has overtaken musculoskeletal disorders as the main cause of absence and ill health in the health sector. Nursing is often seen as one of the most stressful occupations, therefore work-related stress is a major concern for RCN representatives. This guidance takes RCN representatives through the HSE's managament standards and the process of conducting a stress risk assessment. The guidance details how RCN safety representatives can get involved in each stage of the risk assessment process, with a number of case studies highlighting how representatives have implemented the HSE standards in their own workplaces. The standards are a useful tool and and can help in addressing issues such as workload, work patterns and organisational change. This publication may also be useful for stewards and learning representatives when supporting RCN members who are returning to work following a stress related illness or when negotiating learning and development opportunities for members.
Legal advice for RCN members using the internet (PDF 167.4 KB)
Publication code: 003 557
Publication date: 28 September 2009
ISBN: 978-1-906633-28-8
Abstract:
Information technology, and the internet in particular, is now an integral part of our daily lives, and almost every nurse or health care worker will have access to a computer at work, and very often at home as well. However, employers and professional bodies are becoming increasingly alert to the potential abuse of the internet. The growing popularity of social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, Bebo and Twitter has raised the risks of a health care worker experiencing potentially serious legal and professional repercussions through the inappropriate use (if only inadvertently) of this recent technology. This guide gives RCN members a list of do’s and don’ts for using the internet – and information on the risks and repercussions if used inappropriately.
The Knowledge and Skills Framework and appraisal guidance for members and employers outside of the NHS (PDF 167.7 KB)
Publication code: 003550
Publication date: 17 September 2009
ISBN: 978-1-906633-25-7
Abstract:
The Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) requires staff to collect evidence to demonstrate that they have met the requirements of their role at an annual personal development review (PDR). This publication will help members who do not work in the NHS prepare for appraisal and PDRs carried out in their workplace. It gives pointers on discussing with your reviewer what evidence you should gather so that you can maximise your professional development and competencies, working towards future appraisals and development reviews.