Latest publications
A history of nursing in the North East and Cumbria (PDF 1.9 MB)
Publication code: 004 435
Publication date: 2 May 2013
ISBN:
Abstract:
As part of our celebrations for International Nurses’ Day 2013, the RCN Northern region has invited retired nurses from across the North East and Cumbria to share their memories and experiences of working on the frontline of care, and compiled this testament to local nursing history.
Right blood, right patient, right time. RCN guidance for improving transfusion practice (PDF 343.9 KB)
Publication code: 002 306
Publication date: 25 June 2004
ISBN:
Abstract:
Blood transfusion is generally a safe process that saves lives and improves the quality of life for patients. However, there are a number of risks associated with transfusion, as with any other clinical intervention. This newly updated RCN guidance sets out advice for nursing staff in the administration of red blood cells and other components. It is not wholly evidence based but built on recommendations to improve the safety of blood ordering and administration from current national guidelines, including the Serious Hazards of Transfusion reports. This publication covers the transfusion process, the role of the nurse in this process, as well as the role of the transfusion practitioner. Each area includes lots of good practice advice, information on patient monitoring and what to do if you suspect a reaction, plus a comprehensive reference and useful website section.
Better medicines management. Advice for nursing staff and patients (PDF 758.9 KB)
Publication code: 004 393
Publication date: 22 April 2013
ISBN:
Abstract:
This leaflet includes some headline tips for clinicians with a view to optimising the use of medicines and avoiding wastage. Included is a tool to help clinicians assess their effectiveness in talking to patients about medicines as well as a tear-off guide for patients with tips on how to avoid waste and get the most from their medications. The poster is designed to raise awareness of medicines wastage and promote the role both nurses and patients play in reducing waste. (004 404) This project is supported by MSD.
Better medicines management poster (PDF 183.6 KB)
Publication code: 004 404
Publication date: 23 April 2013
ISBN:
Abstract:
This poster is designed to raise awareness of medicines wastage and promote the role both nurses and patients play in reducing waste. There is a leaflet in conjuction with this poster (004 393). This project is supported by MSD.
Frontline first. Nursing on red alert (PDF 887.8 KB)
Publication code: 004 446
Publication date: 23 April 2013
ISBN:
Abstract:
The RCN has been examining the impact of financial pressures on the NHS since 2010 through the Frontline First campaign. This is the first report following the publication of Robert Francis QC’s findings into the scandal at Stafford Hospital. This new report warns that the UK is heading for a nursing shortage, identifying six ‘warning lights’ that shouldn’t be ignored as they could have serious implications for health services and patients. The report stresses, that just like at Stafford, there are now numerous and obvious warning signs. However, the RCN has identified eight recommendations that governments and health care organisations across the UK should follow.
Be part of our future. Stand for election to an RCN role. RCN elections 2013 (PDF 1004.4 KB)
Publication code: 004 400
Publication date: 24 April 2013
ISBN:
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Information on RCN elections to be held in 2013 and how to stand for election.
Rights, risks and responsibilities in service redesign for vulnerable groups. RCN guidance (PDF 671.1 KB)
Publication code: 004 378
Publication date: 22 April 2013
ISBN: 978-1-908782-36-6
Abstract:
Designed to support RCN members engaged in service redesign, this publication will help identify issues and mitigate against risks. At 2012 Congress, members debated on the implications of service redesign – the potential loss and fragmentation of specialist knowledge, expertise and staff, and the consequent effect on delivery of high quality services for vulnerable groups such as children, older people and those with learning disabilities or mental health conditions. While aimed primarily at nurses working with vulnerable groups, the core principles identified may be helpful for any member going through a process of service redesign.
Nursing on the move – specialist nursing for patients requiring repatriation and retrieval. RCN guidance (PDF 777.4 KB)
Publication code: 004 364
Publication date: 22 April 2013
ISBN: 978-1-908782-34-2
Abstract:
Repatriation and retrieval nursing is an extremely complex and challenging field. This RCN publication outlines recommendations about educational preparation, plus reinforces the role nurses have at the forefront of patient transportation – especially in the context of increasing centralisation of care and worldwide travel. Nursing on the move covers four main areas of nursing: commercial flight, air ambulance, retrieval, and military. Designed for use by nurses, managers and commissioners, this guidance will help you develop your role or develop a new or existing service, as well as assist in identifying needs within commissioning.
Strategic plan 2013-18. Pocket guide (PDF 165.9 KB)
Publication code: 004 428
Publication date: 19 April 2013
ISBN:
Abstract:
The Strategic Plan gives a clear picture of what is important to the RCN and this summarised version provides the main highlights. This new strategy sets out how we will seek to make progress over the next five years, from 2013 to 2018.
Strategic plan 2013-18 (PDF 359.3 KB)
Publication code: 004 427
Publication date: 19 April 2013
ISBN:
Abstract:
The Strategic Plan gives a clear picture of what is important to the RCN and this summarised version provides the main highlights. This new strategy sets out how we will seek to make progress over the next five years, from 2013 to 2018.
Administering subcutaneous methotrexate for inflammatory arthritis. RCN guidance - new edition (PDF 768.3 KB)
Publication code: 004 377
Publication date: 28 March 2013
ISBN: 978-1-908782-35-9
Abstract:
This evidence-based guidance has been developed to help support practitioners in the safe and confident administration of subcutaneous methotrexate for a number of rheumatological conditions, in a variety of health care settings, community environments and at home. The publication contains separate guidance for adults and children, and covers some key areas such as risk management; supply, storage and disposal; and patient education and training. It also has a comprehensive framework to help patients administer treatment at home.
Scoping the role of the dementia nurse specialist in acute care (PDF 449.7 KB)
Publication code: 004 429
Publication date: 26 March 2013
ISBN:
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Prepared by the University of Southampton on behalf of the Royal College of Nursing and the RCN Foundation, this report was developed in response to the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia to scope the role of dementia nurse specialists working in the acute care setting and develop recommendations for future developments. The research report forms part of ongoing work at the RCN focusing on dementia care. This report highlights the significant contribution dementia nurse specialists could make in the acute care setting to deliver benefits for people with dementia and their families/carers. This includes improving patient and family experiences, optimising patient outcomes, including reducing length of stay and preventing adverse events such as falls and readmissions, and providing education and leadership to other staff. If dementia specialist nurses are able to reduce hospital stays for older people by one day on average, an annual return on investment of 37 per cent could be achieved with a net saving of nearly £11,000,000 nationally.
Genital examination in women: A resource for skills development and assessment (PDF 388.8 KB)
Publication code: 004368
Publication date: 26 March 2013
ISBN: 978-1-908782-42-7
Abstract:
The ability to carry out genital and bimanual examinations is now a key requirement for many nurses working in primary, secondary and community care settings. In 2004, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) undertook a scoping exercise with relevant stakeholders and the results of this exercise have been built on and developed to create this guidance document. The purpose of this document is to provide standards and sample assessment tools for training in genital examination in women for nurses working in sexual and reproductive health settings, and related health and social care settings. This guidance will enable suitably qualified health care professionals to undertake genital examination in a competent and safe manner; to help trainers and assessors in the training process; and to ensure safe practice for women needing a genital examination.
District nursing - harnessing the potential. The RCN’s UK position on district nursing (PDF 237.8 KB)
Publication code: 004 366
Publication date: 21 March 2013
ISBN:
Abstract:
The UK’s population is living longer and an increasing number of people are living with long-term conditions. District nursing therefore has a major role to play in the NHS, empowering people to be cared for in their own homes and in the community. This position statement builds on the RCN’s Pillars of the community (2010), which detailed the position on the development of the registered nurse workforce in the community. This publication sets out the RCN’s view of current day district nursing and the potential contribution of district nurses in managing demand for health services and enabling effective and efficient care in the community.
Assessment of toilet training readiness and the issuing of products. An RCN care pathway (PDF 846.4 KB)
Publication code: 003103
Publication date: 18 March 2013
ISBN: 1-904114-41-5
Abstract:
This RCN guidance has been developed to help manage children with incontinence and delayed toilet training in a structured, practical way.
The management of diarrhoea in adults. RCN guidance for nursing staff (PDF 946.2 KB)
Publication code: 004 371
Publication date: 14 March 2013
ISBN: 978-1-908782-37-3
Abstract:
Diarrhoea is a common and debilitating condition. Patients often feel embarrassed and find their ability to lead normal active lives severely affected, which can result in isolation and depression for those with chronic conditions. The impact of managing diarrhoea, whether acute or chronic, can also be felt by all those supporting or caring for patients, including family, carers or members of the health care team. This guidance has been developed with patients and health care workers as a holistic document to recognise and support the management of acute diarrhoea in adult patients, regardless of the care setting. It can be used in its entirety, or for specific sections as required and may be useful in supporting the development of health care organisations, local policies and procedures and should be used to complement local policies on the management of diarrhoea.
Raising concerns poster A4 size (PDF 75.0 KB)
Publication code: 004 402
Publication date: 12 March 2013
ISBN:
Abstract:
A poster with contact details if you're an RCN member and need advice or support to raise a concern.
Raising concerns: a guide for RCN representatives (PDF 255.1 KB)
Publication code: 004 392
Publication date: 12 March 2013
ISBN:
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A resource for RCN representatives and branches to help members discuss issues of concern and plan the next steps.
Raising concerns:a guide for RCN members (PDF 296.8 KB)
Publication code: 004 391
Publication date: 12 March 2013
ISBN:
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This resource builds on previous guidance issued by the RCN, providing information to support you to raise concerns wherever you work in the NHS or independent sector.
An RCN training and education framework (PDF 399.9 KB)
Publication code: 004 322
Publication date: 7 March 2013
ISBN: 978-1-908782-29-8
Abstract:
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Midwifery and Fertility Nursing Forum recognised the need for clarity about the training and education requirements of nurses and midwives working at different levels of practice. In response, the forum commissioned an online survey to establish the current training and education available to support the increasing role extension and opportunities for career progression. A key finding was the need to provide career and professional development guidance for practitioners working in the area of fertility care (Peddie et al., 2011). This framework has been developed in consultation with experts (nursing, education, research and sonography) to ensure the vision for fertility nursing in the 21st century can be met across the UK.