What we do
The International Department plays a key role in monitoring and informing the RCN about international developments which impact on UK nursing through its World in Brief newsletter. We coordinate the RCN's responses to EU and international policy and legislative proposals and UK Government international initiatives.
We work close with UK and international alliances to influence health and nursing policy globally and we facilitate learning and sharing experience with sister organisations in other countries.
The International Department also advises on working and volunteering overseas, provides access to useful networks for international exchange and advises international nurses seeking to register in the UK.
What we offer members
We can advise members seeking to add an international perspective to their careers, both in their work in the UK and if they wish to gain work experience in another country.
Our work includes:
- advising members seeking to work abroad and already working abroad
- supporting individuals from outside the UK considering coming to work in the UK as nurses or health care support workers and already working in the UK
- linking to international nursing associations, national nursing associations and specialist nursing networks around the world
- accessing and disseminating information on global health issues such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, migration, maternal health, health reforms and mutual recognition of nursing qualifications
- advising on how to lobby and influence policy-makers at European and International level
- supporting and advising members on contacting their regional MEPs
- providing information on overseas elective placements
- offering materials to help members join nurses around the world in celebrating nurses and nursing on International Nurses’ Day.