What we do
The Policy and International Department leads the RCN’s work on policy learning and development aimed at fulfilling the international aspects of the RCN’s charter and international purpose.
We advise the RCN on international developments which affect UK nursing. We develop positions and coordinate responses to European Union (EU) and international policy and legislative proposals and UK Government international initiatives, on behalf of the organisation.
We work with UK, European and wider international alliances and other key stakeholders to influence health and nursing policy globally, bringing together relevant evidence and opinion to support this work.
Current key issues for our membership include:
- changes to minimum requirements for nurse education and registration across Europe
- the development of more robust health workforce planning
- learning on changing roles in nursing
- skill mix across the EU.
The RCN also advocates for the protection of nurses’ and their patients’ human rights with its international partners and leading non-governmental organisations, for example in Bahrain where a number of health professionals have been on trial.
We identify opportunities for learning and sharing good practice with other nursing organisations across the world to influence nursing policy and practice in the UK and to support national developments in other countries. Recent examples include:
- sharing experience on the introduction of nurse prescribing in the UK, now being introduced in a number of European countries
- the opportunities for nursing and patient care of within a tax-based national health system such as the NHS
- the practical role of national nursing organisations in supporting the professional development of their members.
The RCN is also benefiting from experience elsewhere with safe staffing levels, and innovative nursing policy and practice in other countries.
The Policy and International Department leads and helps shape the RCN’s international development work through a pilot international development partnership. Our International Humanitarian Community allows members to share stories and find ways to get involved in responding to global health issues. We also support member engagement in volunteering activities through joint work with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) or Doctors Without Borders, such as volunteering events.