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Membership for nurses and midwives

Join the world’s largest nursing union and professional body

By joining the RCN, you’ll benefit both professionally and personally. We’re here to help with difficulties, as well as your development – with the largest in-house legal team of any UK union, a helpline, access to Europe’s largest nursing library resource, member discount offers and much more.

Benefits of RCN membership

By joining the RCN, you'll benefit both professionally and personally, and with access to our helpline, we'll be here when you need us. Membership costs just £16.40 per month - or £8.20 per month for first year newly registered nurses in their first year of registration with the NMC.

As a member, you'll gain access to:

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Workplace representation

Covering everything from workplace employment issues to NMC referrals, we have local reps, officers, and a legal team on hand to support you.

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Be part of a professional body

With dedicated learning events, Europe's largest nursing library resource, and RCN Learn, you'll have plenty of opportunity for professional development.

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Careers resource

Explore the next step in your career with our telephone career coaching. Tailored online resources can also help you with CV writing, career ideas and inspiration.

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Member support services

As an RCN member, you can get free, confidential help and advice on a range of issues that affect you at home and at work. 

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Member discounts

Recoup the cost of your membership with discounts at over 3,000 retailers, plus enjoy preferential rates and deals on insurance, will writing and financial advice.

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Get involved

Campaign with us and use your voice to demand change for nursing. 

Not only that,

  • We have the largest in-house legal team of any UK union. We can support you with representation at inquests, in workplace criminal matters and injury claims.
  • If you are an RCN member and in employment, you can apply to become an RCN steward, safety representative or learning representative. Learn more.
  • Why not join one of our many member forums, connecting individuals with shared career interests and shaping the voice of the RCN.
  • And, our immigration advice service can assist members already in the UK with matters such as UK visa extensions and applications for settlement.

Here's how our existing members are utilising their membership:

Advice Service 

Our confidential advice service is there to help you with workplace issues, your career, welfare rights and more.

Legal Support

Enjoy peace of mind with access to the largest legal team of any nursing union in the UK. We're there for you.

Learning Resources

Develop and grow with access to online learning resources, local learning events and Europe’s largest nursing library.

Workplace Support

You’ll never be alone: we have reps across the UK, in all sectors, to support you if you need advice or help at work.

Membership costs  

 

Monthly rate 

*After tax relief 

Nurse UK first year discount membership
for newly registered nurses in their first year of registration with the NMC. 

 £8.20

 £6.56

Nurse UK full membership
for registered nurses and midwives.

 £16.40

 £13.12

Joint RCM membership**
nurses and midwives can join both the RCN and RCM.

 £8.20

 £6.56

Joint educational membership**
for those working in a role recognised by UCU or EIS.

 £12.30

 £9.84

Retired membership
registered nurses and midwives who have now retired from nursing.

 £0.84

 n/a***

Career break, including maternity leave   £0.84   

* tax relief may vary depending on your tax situation.

** benefits of joint educational and joint RCM memberships are limited to professional advice in respect of the practice of nursing. Members choosing these joint RCN memberships should also contact the UCU/EIS or RCM directly to arrange their joint membership.

*** however, tax relief is available if you are paying basic rate tax.

Find out more about how you can claim tax relief on your RCN subscription.


Become a member

Further membership options


HCA, AP and TNA membership

Find out what the RCN can offer HCAs, APs and TNAs.

Newly registered nurse membership

Find out what the RCN can offer newly registered nurses.

Student nurse and midwife membership

Find out what the RCN can offer student nurses or midwives.