Am I in the correct category?

This section aims to cover our frequently asked questions about membership categories. If you cannot find the information you are looking for please contact the RCN membership team who will be happy to help you.

Student and newly qualified membership your questions answered
I am currently not working, what are my options?
Does the RCN offer a category for part-time workers?

Student and newly qualified membership - your questions answered

Training completion date

As a student member of the RCN it is important that you provide us with your correct training completion date to ensure that you are automatically transferred to Nurse membership (first year discount) at the correct time and fully covered to work as a registered nurse. Please go to categories of membership for more information.

What if my training completion date changes?

If for any reason the date when you are due to qualify changes then please let our membership team know as soon as possible so that we can update your record. If this date changes and we are not informed, your record will automatically be updated based on the original date you have given us, and the appropriate payment will be taken. We do not want to take an overpayment for your membership if you have not yet qualified.

Once you have qualified

You will need to let our membership team know your NMC pin number and your new place of work so that we can update your record.

Changing the way you pay

If you are not currently paying for membership by Direct Debit then you may wish to set up a monthly payment which will help you to spead the cost. To do this please call RCN Direct on 0345 7726100, choosing the membership option. RCN Direct is open Monday to Friday 8.30am until 8.30pm.

Do I have to pay the Full rate membership fees when I am on maternity leave?

If you want to retain indemnity cover and employment support you will need to remain in Nurse full membership. You may wish to take a voluntary break, please go to categories of membership for more information.

Members on the voluntary break payment plan are not eligible for either indemnity cover or employment support during this period of voluntary break but may receive telephone advice from RCN Direct. Please note that this category of membership is availaible for a maximum of one year in three.

I am not currently working, what are my options?

If you want to retain indemnity cover and employment support you will need to remain in the full rate membership category. You may wish to take a voluntary break, please go to categories of membership for more information.

Members on the voluntary break payment plan are not eligible for either indemnity cover or employment support but may receive telephone advice from RCN Direct.

I cannot afford to pay for my membership as I am not working at the moment. Will I still be covered if I cancel?

RCN membership provides you with indemnity cover and employment representation for any incidents which occur during your period of membership.

If you cancel your membership for any reason, you will be covered for incidents which arose during the period you were paying your subscriptions. Any incidents which occur after payments ceased are not covered.

I am currently being represented by the RCN.

Please check with your representative before making any changes to your category or cancelling your membership.

I cannot afford to pay for my membership as I am on reduced pay. Will I still be covered if I cancel?

RCN membership provides you with indemnity cover and employment representation for any incidents which occur during your period of membership. If you cancel your membership for any reason, you will be covered for incidents which arose during the period you were paying your subscriptions. Any incidents which occur after your cancellation date are not covered by your previous membership.