Nurse member
If you are a fully qualified nurse or midwife you can join the largest nursing union and professional body in the UK. Membership of the RCN will give you access to invaluable protection and support as well as an extensive range of 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 as a nursing professional from our expert advisers
- access to the RCN counselling and welfare service
- advice and support from the RCN careers service
- networking and learning opportunities through the RCN forums
- employment relations support
- access to the world’s largest nursing library, also available online
- a monthly copy of RCN Bulletin, the RCN's publication for members**
- exclusive discounts through RCNXtra
- eligibility to vote in a general ballot, branch or forum elections, the council election and presidential elections
- the opportunity to stand for council, or for election to regional or national board
- all this, and much more.
*Subject to membership payment plan. Terms and conditions of indemnity cover apply.
**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 also save you hundreds of pounds.
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 that applies to you you from the list below.
- Nurse first year discount membership for those who have registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the first time in the last 12 months.
- Nurse full membership for fully qualified nurses or midwives.
- Joint Royal College of Midwives (RCM) membership if you’re already a full member of the RCM.
- Joint educational membership if you are working in a role/area recognised by the UCU and/or EIS.
- Nurse voluntary break membership if you’re currently not working or taking a break from nursing.
- Nurse retired membership if you are an RCN member who has now retired.
The benefits, services, and eligibility of nurse membership can differ depending on your payment plan.
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 the RCN Council.
Tax relief
Don't forget, members who pay tax can claim tax relief on their RCN subscription from HM Revenue and Customs. Download a tax relief claim form (PDF 870KB) [see how to access PDF files] and get further information on the RCN website or by calling RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 (8.30am - 8.30pm, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays). If you haven't claimed before, you can also backdate a claim for the previous four tax years.
Notes
- Members on the nurse voluntary break and nurse retired payment plans are not eligible for either indemnity cover or employment support from the RCN but may receive telephone advice from RCN Direct.
- Members on the joint RCM payment plan receive their indemnity cover and employment support from the RCM.
- Members on the joint educational payment plan would normally seek employment relations support from the UCU. The RCN provides indemnity cover, support on professional and nursing issues, and professional or nursing advice.
- There are standard conditions and limitations to indemnity cover which are detailed on the RCN website.