Professional nurse advocate standards for education and training programmes and modules

There has been extensive national uptake by education institutions and employer organisations to support, develop and implement the role of the professional nurse advocate (PNA). However, with various providers delivering PNA training, there are notable variances in the delivery and learner experiences. To address this challenge, NHS England commissioned the Royal College of Nursing to work with stakeholders to create standards for PNA education and programme delivery. These standards offer education institutions a universal framework to align their programmes towards, and to establish enhanced levels of quality assurance.

Midwifery at the RCN: supporting midwives, student midwives and maternity support workers

This updated leaflet explains how the RCN supports midwives, student midwives and maternity support workers. Membership gives you support in the workplace and access to online resources and the RCN Library and Archives Service, which can help with your continuing professional development. You can also join the Midwifery Forum, allowing you to connect with other members to help shape and influence policy and practice.

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Volunteering to help your career

Volunteering is an opportunity to help those in need whilst gaining new skills and experience. Find out how it could open new doors for you.

Latest NHS waiting list data shows need for action warns Royal College of Nursing

Executive Director of RCN England, Patricia Marquis, said: “On the same day the health secretary announced a review into the NHS, the need for action could not be clearer. Millions languish on waiting lists, suffering in pain and unable to get on with their lives. It's an intolerable situation and a drag on the economy."

Royal College of Nursing responds to Wes Streeting’s speech supporting the government’s growth mission

RCN Acting General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, said: “Tens of thousands of unfilled nursing jobs has a direct impact on waiting lists and people kept out of work. Research globally and closer to home proves that investment in nursing is good for economic growth as well as patient outcomes."

Nursing applications down 27% in three years, as RCN urges new government to save NHS workforce plan

RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, said: “Nursing is a wonderful and rewarding profession, but huge debt and financial insecurity are putting off the next generation. Patients and nursing staff alike need the new government to come good on their promises to deliver the workforce plan – after its first full year things have headed in the wrong direction at the very time we know the NHS is struggling to retain current staff."

Royal College of Nursing responds to the publication of the NMC’s Independent Culture Review

RCN Acting General Secretary and Chief Executive Nicola Ranger, said: “The recognition of the failings in this report is a start. But the trust of nursing professionals and patients will only be re-established through immediate and on-going action. We are committed to ensuring that, in future, the NMC represents the modern reality and interests of nursing, midwifery and patients."

Patients dying alone as just one third of shifts have enough nurses, analysis shows

RCN Acting General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: “In every health and care setting, nursing staff are fighting a losing battle to keep patients safe. Without safety-critical limits on the maximum number of patients they can care for, nurses are being made responsible for dozens at a time, often with complex needs. It is dangerous to patients and demoralising for nursing staff.

Royal College of Nursing responds to the general election result and election of Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister

RCN Acting General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger, said: “Outside Downing Street, Keir Starmer rightly acknowledged the insecurity felt by nursing staff - our profession was the top of his list. From day one, he must deliver a reset in relations with health and care services, the people who work in them and their professional representatives. We will act as partners in finding constructive solutions."