RCN Congress has something for everyone. Here’s how it can help your career.
1. You can get up to speed with the most relevant nursing issues
Whether you attend key professional debates, listen to keynote speakers, or participate in the lively fringe programme, there’s so much to choose from. You don’t need to go to everything, you can pick and choose what you think is most relevant to you.
Attending can help you stay aware of professional trends so you can bring fresh strategies back to your workplace. You’ll return either feeling inspired and motivated about your current nursing role, or perhaps ready to apply for your next one.
2. Congress is great for networking, and gives you a chance to strengthen your professional connections
RCN forums are groups of members who work or have an interest in a particular area of professional nursing practice. They hold free events in the on-site RCN Village during the week and, even if you’ve not yet joined one, you’ll be welcome to attend. It’s a chance to meet people who share your professional interests and learn from experts in the field.
3. Public speaking strengthens your personal brand and helps you present yourself as an engaged professional
This is your opportunity to have a go in a safe space. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or completely new to it, you’ll be welcome to speak in a range of settings. You don’t need to put yourself under pressure to speak in front of hundreds, asking a short question at a fringe event in a much smaller room is public speaking too. Look out for learning sessions on public speaking running at Congress as well.
4. You can build on your soft skills and demonstrate your commitment to self-development
Communication, teamwork and problem-solving are skills nursing staff use every day and they’re frequently on show at our conference. While you’re at Congress, you can even ask for a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificate to add to your portfolio – useful for revalidation, appraisals and future job applications.
5. You’ll get a chance to look at job and professional development opportunities at the Congress exhibition
Find out who’s exhibiting this year – the page will be continually updated in the run-up to Congress.
What’s going on at Congress this year?
The debates will be lively, and you can be sure you’ll find something you’re interested in.
Among the many topics on the agenda, we’ll be hosting discussions on the impact of current NHS prescribing practice on access to medicinal cannabis; the role nursing has in eye donation in end-of-life care planning; and access to specialist palliative and end-of-life care. Find out what else is on the agenda.
As she prepares to speak at RCN Congress, Dr Pamela Cipriano explains how nursing staff can champion justice and equity worldwide. Look out for our other soon-to-be-announced speakers and lectures too. From household names and nursing pioneers to research stars, our speakers are sure to inspire you.
Are you ready to step up to the mic?
We want to hear from a diverse range of voices to ensure everyone has the opportunity to speak about your speciality or on behalf of the nursing profession. You can get as involved as you want to. If you’d prefer to just listen, that’s no problem. But if you want to join the queue to speak in the debating hall, that would be great too.
Find out more about preparing to speak at Congress.
Practise your pitch
Throughout the week we're running a workshop to give you practical tips for delivering effective, impactful presentations.
You'll learn how to craft memorable headlines, communicate key messages clearly, and engage your audience, while having the opportunity to practise presenting and gain valuable feedback from experienced facilitators to help you refine your delivery, strengthen your messaging and build confidence.
Look out for the Every Second Counts! Practise Your Pitch sessions when you book.
Learning from Liverpool
Margaret Aspinall will welcome delegates to her home city at the start of Congress.
Born and raised in Liverpool, Margaret is known for her tireless battle for justice following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989. Her 18-year-old son James was one of the 97 football fans who lost their lives as a result of the events that day. Hear her speak about campaigning for justice and equality.
