The RCN Employment Survey, which runs every two years, is a significant barometer of how our members feel in their jobs. Wherever they work – NHS or the independent health and social care sectors – the survey gives our members the opportunity to tell us what it is really like in nursing at the moment. This briefing provides a summary of the key findings from members in Scotland.

While the Scottish government has made changes in policy and investment in health and care services since the last survey in 2023, this year’s results underscore just how much more is needed for recovery and securing a sustainable nursing workforce for the future. Despite nursing staff stepping up to meet the challenges head on, the picture remains one of continued pressure, increased demand, poor staffing levels, and pay, terms and conditions that fail to recognise the level of knowledge, skills and autonomy asked of nursing staff every day.