10 reasons to join the RCN
How to join the RCN
You can now join the RCN online! Find out how easy it is to join the RCN today.
Reason 1: the online library
The RCN e library is open 24 hours a day. So when your university library is closed, and you have an assignment to finish, the RCN is there to support you.
Find out more about what's on offer at the RCN elibrary.
Reason 2: the RCN is the voice
The RCN is constantly campaigning, educating and lobbying at all levels both nationally and internationally.
Let your voice be heard as an student member.
Join online today at www.rcn.org.uk/myrcn or call RCN Direct on: 0345 772 6100.
Find out more about RCN campaigns.
Reason 3: get ahead
As a student it's important to have access to learning and information at no cost - The RCN Learning Zone provides our members with this and much more.
As an RCN member you can also join up to three professional nursing forums free of charge. Professional forums give you access to nurses who are specialists in their fields. Forums, online newsletters and zones will help you with your placement and academic work.
Reason 4: protection
As an RCN STUDENT member you are eligible for £3 million indemnity cover for your clinical placement or any work you choose to do as a health care assistant.
As a student you receive the same indemnity cover as you will when you become a fully qualified nurse member - so this really is value for money.
Find out more about the RCN's indemnity cover
Reason 5: networking
The RCN has a membership of more than 390,000, with 36,000 student members - that's a big network of nurses ready to share their knowledge and learn from each other.
Student members are invited to attend the RCN Congress and ANS annual conference - free of charge. And, attend any RCN conference and receive a 40 per cent discount on the registration fee.
Find out more about RCN Congress and networking events.
Reason 6: the ANS
Student members automatically become a member of the Association of Nursing Students (ANS). The ANS has an executive who represents the views of its student members.
Find out more about the ANS.
As a student member you will receive the RCN STUDENT quarterly magazine - the answer, full of all the latest news and issues affecting nursing students.
Read feature articles from the latest edition of the answer.
Reason 7: publications
RCN publications are available to all our members. Many of these publications are available for you to download for free as PDFs at: www.rcn.org.uk/publications.
These publications are invaluable to our members. Find out more about some of our specialist student publications.
Reason 8: discounts
As an RCN member you're entitled to a wide range of discounts. Check out the special deals from many high street names - from department stores to jewellers, supermarkets to DIY retailers.
Find out more about the many discounts available to you as a student.
Reason 9: support
Sometimes student life isn't all it's cracked up to be, so the RCN has a team of expert counsellors to offer guidance and support, if you ever need it. Our counsellors can help you with any work related or personal problems.
Find out more about who to contact for support when you need it.
Reason 10: advice
Whichever branch of nursing you're studying - adult, mental health, children and young people, learning disabilities or midwifery - we have professional advisers, forums and online specialist zones to offer advice and support.
Find out more about the advice available for your specific branch here.