Health practitioner member
Whether you are a health care assistant (HCA), assistant practitioner (AP) or health care support worker (HCSW) you can join the RCN as a health practitioner member. There are many job titles for this membership category including nursery nurse, dental nurse, nursing auxiliary, phlebotomist and hospital play specialist. See the RCN Definitions of Membership (PDF 126KB) [see how to access PDF files] for more information or call RCN Direct on 0345 622 7100.
As the largest union and professional body in the UK dedicated to the health care profession, RCN membership will give you access to invaluable protection and support as well exclusive benefits and services.
Benefits of membership
The extensive range of member benefits includes:
- indemnity protection of up to £3 million*
- expert support and representation from the RCN legal team – the biggest in-house legal team of any union in the UK
- advice on the issues that matter to you from our expert advisers
- access to the RCN counselling and welfare service
- advice and support from the RCN Careers Service
- access to online resources to help you develop your skills, including First steps for HCAs, an online suite of learning tools, and the award winning RCN learning zone
- networking and learning opportunities through the HCA network and specialist RCN forums
- employment relations support
- the world’s largest nursing library also available online
- a monthly copy of the RCN Bulletin, the RCN's publication for members**
- exclusive discounts through RCNXtra
- eligibility to vote in a general ballot, branch or forum elections, Council elections and presidential elections
- the opportunity to stand for Council (health practitioner seat), or for election to a regional or national board (health practitioner seat)
- all this, and much more.
* See terms and conditions for indemnity protection
** Members based overseas can only access RCN Bulletin online.
Excellent value for money
Membership of the RCN offers excellent value for money. While we hope nothing should ever go wrong in your practice, we understand that you value the peace of mind that comes with protection from the largest in-house legal team of any union in the UK. Without RCN membership you could be forced to pay up more than £300 per hour for a lawyer.
Other services such as careers coaching or immigration services could cost in excess of £100 each.
Membership payment plans
There are a range of payment plans available so you can find the right one to suit your current circumstances. Select the payment plan below that's right for you:
- Health practitioner first year discount for your first year of health practitioner membership
- Health practitioner full membership for health practitioners beyond their first year of membership
- Health practitioner voluntary break membership if you’re currently not working or taking a break from your role as a health practitioner
- Health practitioner retired membership if you are a RCN member who has now retired.
Regulations covering eligibility for RCN membership, the membership categories, the different payment plans and associated governance rights are set out in the RCN Definitions of Membership (PDF 126KB) [see how to access PDF files], which is approved by RCN Council.
Tax relief
Don't forget, members who pay tax can claim tax relief on their RCN subscription from HM Revenus and Customs. Download the tax relief form (PDF 870KB) [see how to access PDF files], and get further information online or by calling RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100. If you haven't claimed before you can also backdate a claim for the previous four tax years.
If you have any queries about your membership please call RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 (8.30am - 8.30pm, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays).
Notes
- Members on the health practitioner voluntary break and health practitioner retired payment plans are not eligible for either indemnity cover or employment support but may receive telephone advice from RCN Direct.
- There are standard conditions and limitations to indemnity cover which are detailed on the RCN website.