The RCN Institute of Nursing Excellence
Progressing the nursing profession through five new academies
The RCN Institute of Nursing Excellence is made up of five new academies, each with a specific focus to drive improvements and innovation.
The academies share a collective aim to support our members in being brilliant nursing professionals, who:
- provide outstanding care
- lead with confidence
- innovate in brave new ways
- advocate for their patients, service users, clients and colleagues
- research nationally and internationally
Nursing Leadership Academy
Lead the way
This academy will empower existing and aspiring nursing leaders to drive positive change in health care.
5 goals of the Nursing Leadership Academy
- Provide leadership development programmes for nursing staff at different career stages.
- Establish mentorship initiatives connecting experienced and aspiring nursing leaders.
- Provide resources and support for nurses in leadership positions.
- Offer training on ethical decision making and effective leadership strategies, navigating internal and external political factors.
- Advocate for diversity and inclusion in nursing leadership.
Nursing Practice Academy
Strive for excellence
This academy will empower nursing staff with clinical skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional patient care.
5 goals of the Nursing Practice Academy
- Provide resources and guidance for evidence-based nursing practice.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning and skill development among nursing staff.
- Collaborate with health care institutions to improve patient care standards.
- Develop training programmes for different nursing specialties.
- Offer workshops on the latest technologies and treatments.
Nursing Workforce Academy
Recognise your value
This academy will set evidence-based professional standards for the number of nursing staff needed to provide safe and effective patient care.
5 goals of the Nursing Workforce Academy
- Successfully campaign for safety-critical nurse-to-patient ratios.
- Advocate for improved working conditions and work-life balance.
- Influence initiatives to retain experienced nursing staff and reduce turnover.
- Support members to understand safe staffing and be able to advocate for themselves and their patients.
- Conduct workforce research and analysis to influence key stakeholders for our profession.
International Nursing Academy
Connect through nursing
This academy will strengthen nursing collaboration and knowledge-sharing on a global scale.
5 goals of the International Nursing Academy
- Establish partnerships with nursing organisations and institutions worldwide.
- Facilitate exchange programmes for nursing staff to learn from diverse health care systems.
- Share best practice and research findings to improve global nursing care standards.
- Contribute to international health initiatives and disaster relief efforts.
- Promote cultural competence and understanding among nurses.
Activism Academy
Be the change
This academy will empower our members to win positive change in their workplaces, communities and the nursing profession.
5 goals of the Activism Academy
- Create a supportive environment for members to become active and make change.
- Use the organising approach so that our members are influential in the decisions that shape their experiences.
- Provide learning and development opportunities to give our activists a thorough grounding in their role
- Develop our branches and rep communities, and introduce new forms of activism for our professional and trade union functions.
- Create further opportunities for our activists to develop, excel and lead as active members.