Why join?

The RCN is the largest professional union for nursing in the UK, with around 400,000 members both in the NHS and the private sector. Whether you are a registered nurse, midwife, nursing student, nurse cadet, health care assistant or nursing auxiliary you can join the RCN. As the only union in the UK which is nursing specific, the RCN recognises your needs better than anyone else. As a member of the RCN, your views and experiences will help to shape the development of future nursing policy both in the UK and internationally.

Your RCN membership will provide:

Protection

indemnity cover - up to £3 million of financial protection against claims of personal negligence if you are at work or on a placement. Includes a 'good samaritan' clause to safeguard you if you go to the aid of someone that needs urgent medical attention when you are outside of work.

Advice and support

RCN Direct information, advice and support service - fully trained advisers available over the telephone from 8.30am to 8.30pm, 365 days a year, and online whenever you need it
RCN Careers Service - advice on writing CVs and application forms, interview techniques, career planning
immigration advice, legal advice, and counselling service
welfare service offering practical financial advice
local support from specially trained RCN activists who actually work in the nursing profession
students also have their own dedicated advice team.

Learning and development

one of the largest specialist nursing libraries in Europe
access to over 64,000 books, 700 journals and 400 e-journals
instant response to library queries with the virtual enquiry service
access to nursing databases
access to the UK's only nursing archive
online Learning Zone - create an online evidence-based portfolio, and develop your personal and clinical skills
discounts on specifically tailored courses with the Open University.

Networking opportunities

41 specialist nursing forums to help you network and enhance your practice knowledge and skills, receive support from dedicated advisers and access to specialist resources
RCN Bulletin magazine every fortnight packed with news and jobs
students receive automatic membership to the Association of Nursing students - the RCN's networking, information and lobbying group
online community dedicated to health care assistants.

A campaigning voice

the RCN is committed to campaigning and lobbying to bring about real improvements in the lives of nurses and health care assitants, improving studying, working conditions, and training opportunities
campaigns on Dignity and Nutrition Now provide practical tools and support for you to improve standards where you work.

… and we can even save you money

discounts on home and car insurance with LV=
discounts on high street stores, supermarkets, dining out, leisure attractions and medical accessories
twenty per cent discount on Elsevier nursing and midwifery books
discounted rates on journals
reduced rate bookings on airport car parking, holiday car hire and hotel breaks
special rate mobile phone deal with 3
unique RCN special rate credit card with MBNA
discounted RCN events.