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
For permission to reproduce RCN copyrighted text, please complete the copyright permission request form (WORD 592KB) and return to the RCN Communications department.
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
The nature, scope and value of ophthalmic nursing (PDF 1.9MB)
Publication code: 003521
Publication date: 2 July 2009
ISBN: 978-1-906636-15-8
Abstract:
This third edition from the RCN Ophthalmic Nursing Forum represents the strategic vision of ophthalmic nursing. It has been revised to reflect the current climate of clinical ophthalmic nursing care delivery. The document discusses the fundamental nature of ophthalmic nursing, asks how ophthalmic nurses can contribute to health care and looks at the value of the role. It also includes standards which are based on current empirical evidence, an audit tool and useful reading lists.
Competences: an integrated career and competence framework for nurses working with HIV-associated lipoatrophy in adults (PDF 1.1MB)
Publication code: 003 537
Publication date: 12 June 2009
ISBN: 978-1-906633-18-9
Abstract:
Facial lipoatrophy can be devastating for those affected. It can influence an individual’s sense of wellbeing, perception of body image and self-esteem. This in turn can increase anxiety levels, particularly when addressing the complexities of HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy. The role of the nurse is essential, not only in administering the corrective treatment, but also assisting patients in dealing with the psychosocial effects of facial lipoatrophy and implementing the appropriate actions. This document aims to provide a framework for nurses working in HIV-related medical aesthetics and, while not prescriptive, can be used as a template to guide clinical practice.
Raising concerns, raising standards (PDF 239.6KB)
Publication code: 003532
Publication date: 11 May 2009
ISBN:
Abstract:
The RCN is here to help you give the best care you can, to help you protect patients and to protect you if you raise concerns over patient care.
Guidance on uniforms and work wear (PDF 318.4KB)
Publication code: 002 724
Publication date: 11 May 2009
ISBN:
Abstract:
This updated guidance sets out information on issues related to the selection, wearing and decontamination of uniforms or clothing worn in the delivery of patient care and is aimed at nurses and their employers. It can be applied to all settings in which health care takes place and for any clothing worn when undertaking patient care activities.
Health and nursing care in the criminal justice service. RCN guidance for nursing staff (PDF 523.9KB)
Publication code: 003 307
Publication date: 11 May 2009
ISBN: 978-1-906633-05-9
Abstract:
The role of health care nurses in the criminal justice service is varied, complex and often challenging. This guide will help you to access up to date information, toolkits and sources of advice to assist you in your work. It is a resource to support the delivery of high quality services to people in a broad range of environments, from police custody to high security prisons in all four UK countries. This guide replaces the 2002 Royal College of Nursing publication, Nursing in Prisons, and highlights the specific health and nursing care needs of offenders.
Competences: an intergrated career and competency framework for nurses in aesthetic medicine (PDF 1.1MB)
Publication code: 002 767
Publication date: 29 June 2009
ISBN:
Abstract:
There continues to be a rapid increase in the number of people who want aesthetic treatments, and in the range of treatments available. There are also many more nurses who want to practice in this field but the opportunities for accredited training and supervised practice are limited. This revised competence framework will help nurses working in this specialty to develop standardised clinical competences, share best practice, and ultimately deliver person-centred care.
Sexual health competences: an integrated career and competency framework for sexual and reproductive health nursing across the UK (PDF 986.9KB)
Publication code: 002 469
Publication date: 22 June 2009
ISBN:
Abstract:
The sexual health of people in the UK today is a serious concern. Against this background there is now an increasing need for competencies for sexual and reproductive health nurses from primary, secondary and community care settings across the UK.This publication outlines a framework of competencies and is designed to help nurses to provide safe, effective and accountable care to clients. The framework is not prescriptive, but acts as a template that can be modified to suit local and individual need. It can be used to help managers and individual nurses to review their strengths and identify gaps in their competence and specific training and development needs.