Congress first timer

Sue Harkness is a health care assistant and Congress newbie. Here she explains what enticed her to Bournemouth and what she hopes to get out of the experience.

What encouraged you to come to Congress?

I first joined the RCN this time last year and have been getting increasingly involved ever since. Being a member has made me feel more embraced within the nursing family and I’ve become aware of all the development opportunities available via the RCN. Congress was a foreign concept to me and I was curious to find out what it had to offer. I haven’t been disappointed so far.

What are your first impressions?

It all seems so big. The exhibition hall is vast and has such a wide range of stalls to visit. I’ve picked up lots of information that will be of use to me in my job at a GP practice. Other than that there is a real sense of community here. It feels like everyone is in it together and pulling in the same direction.

Has your experience matched your expectations so far?

Well I wasn’t sure what to expect but it’s not every day you get to be in the same room as the Prime Minister. Congress does present unrivalled opportunities to hear from the key people in health care and that’s a chance not to be missed.

What has been your highlight?

I think it has to be HCAs’ Day. All the speakers were addressing things that are of prime importance to health care assistants. Tina Donnelly, the RCN Wales Director, gave a great speech about regulation and it was good to find out what the RCN is doing on this important issue.

Networking with likeminded people has also been very valuable. Talking to other HCAs has made me realise how diverse the role is and I now have a much better understanding of what other health care assistants do.

There aren’t many occasions when so many HCAs are in the same room at the same time. We all need to sing off the same hymn sheet to realise change and this event has been really good for getting people together.

What will you take away from Congress?

I feel really inspired and motivated to return to my job and achieve more. Coming here has made me realise how many more RCN benefits I could be taking advantage of. It’s made me determined to get more HCAs to sign up and make sure that we move things forward together.