As Dennis Greer steps down from his role as vice chair of the RCN UK Nursing Support Workers Committee, he shares what he’s learnt and encourages others to get involved
Why did you join the committee?
I was approached by the chair of the committee at the time (Brenda McIlmurray) and asked if I’d stand for the Northern Ireland seat on the committee. Straight away I thought ‘no’, but Brenda talked me round.
The next thing I knew I was elected. I still thank Brenda for pushing me. Joining gave me a confidence boost. I remember shaking at my first meeting as vice chair, but there are times you have to step in for the chair and just get on with it. Everyone is very supportive.
Describe your time on the committee.
It’s been the most enjoyable and rewarding experience I’ve ever had in my career. It’s been challenging at times, but I’ve met such wonderful people, especially the committee members, and am proud of the things we’ve accomplished. I’m very sad to leave.
What's your most memorable moment?
There have been many great moments. First would be how we went backwards and forwards trying to change the name of the committee from the RCN Health Practitioners committee. Lindsay (Cardwell) had just taken over as chair and we put it forward as a Congress resolution in 2019. It was agreed in 20 minutes.
Also at Congress, I took to the stand in front of hundreds attending and seconded a resolution; that was a baptism of fire. We had our own nursing support workers stand and Congress in Belfast (2018) was a huge success. I was so proud.
Because of the work of the committee, we had our first Nursing Support Workers' Day this year
What committee work are you most proud of?
A few years ago I had an idea to have a day dedicated to nursing support workers, much like what we have in place for Nurses’ Day. After speaking to the RCN through the committee about it, they thought it was an amazing idea. Because of the work of the committee and College, we had our first Nursing Support Workers' Day this year .
Why is having a Nursing Support Workers' Day important?
Every year for the last 20 years I’ve supported Nurses’ Day in May. But although we work just as hard as registered nurses, there was no day set aside just for us. Our roles have developed over the years and they are so diverse. There’s something new every year, but we don’t always get the recognition we deserve. We’ve come a long way – 10 years ago you wouldn’t have NSWs taking bloods and inserting cannulas. Our role is challenging and evolving and it’s right we celebrate what we do and have our own day.
You were involved in the Northern Ireland strikes last year – how do you reflect on that a year on?
I was very proud I was able to rally the troops. Coming off night duty to stand on picket lines from 7am was a great feeling. We had a lot of support from the public; they handed out supplies in the cold and lorry drivers and oils tankers turned up with biscuits and sweets. Everyone was united for the common purpose – to get safe and effective staffing and support pay parity.
Sometimes as an NSW you might feel that you don’t get your voice heard
What’s next?
I’ve just been elected secretary for my branch in Northern Ireland.
Although I will be stepping down as vice chair of the committee, I will be keeping in contact with them.
Advice for the next vice chair?
Always be there for your committee members and listen to them. It’s the role of the vice chair to support the chair, so you should always be there for them. Work closely with the other members as they will become your friends and people you can talk to in confidence. And enjoy the role – it’s tiring work, but an amazing experience. I’ll always remember it.
Why should others get involved in the committee?
At the moment we’re finding it so hard to find someone to take over from me, but it’s a great opportunity for anyone. Sometimes as an NSW you might feel that you don’t get a say or get your voice heard. Being on the committee is a way of doing that and putting out any issues that come up. It’s a great platform to be more involved in creating a positive change.
More information
The RCN UK Nursing Support Workers Committee represents the thousands of health care assistants, health care support workers, assistant practitioners, nursing associates and trainee nursing associates who are members of the RCN.
The committee is made up of the nursing support worker member of Council, the nursing support worker member of the Trade Union Committee, the nursing support worker member of the Professional Nursing Committee and one representative each from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the nine English regions.
Through the nursing support worker member of Council, the committee can influence RCN policy and strategy on matters relating to the nursing support worker workforce.
