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.
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 include:
- 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
- RCN counselling and welfare service
- advice and support from the RCN Careers Service
- online resources to help you develop your skills including the 'First Steps for HCAs' 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
- RCN Bulletin**
- exclusive discounts through RCNXtra
- eligibility to vote in a general ballot; vote in branch or forum elections; vote in council elections; vote in presidential elections; stand for council (health practitioner seat); stand for election to a regional or national board (health practitioner seat).
- and much more!
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.
* See terms and conditions for indemnity protection
** Members based overseas can only access RCN Bulletin online.
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 for health practitioners beyond their first year of membership.
Health practitioner voluntary break if you’re currently not working or taking a break from your role as a health practitioner.
Health practitioner retired if you are a RCN member who has now retired.
Tax relief
Don't forget, members who pay tax can claim tax relief on their RCN subscription from the Inland Revenue. Further information, including a tax relief claim form, is available here: tax relief form (PDF 870KB) [see how to access PDF files], by email: get in touch online, or by calling RCN Direct at the number below. If you have not claimed before you can also backdate your claim for up to six 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 conditions and limitations to indemnity cover which are detailed on the RCN website.