At RCN Congress this year, I was proud to tell delegates that nursing support workers (NSWs) have been part of RCN membership for a quarter of a century. This is something that should be recognised and celebrated, and the members I met in Liverpool clearly felt the same.
The RCN has always been shaped by those willing to step forward, challenge expectations and drive the profession forward. Progress doesn’t just happen; it comes from people recognising their value and using their voice.
Our membership has evolved significantly, moving from associate status to full membership with a voice at every level. That progress reflects growing recognition, inclusion and professional respect.
Celebrating a vital contribution
“As we mark 25 years of the nursing support workforce being represented within the RCN, we celebrate nursing staff who are fundamental to the delivery of safe, compassionate, and effective care across the UK.
“Nursing support workers make a vital contribution in every health and care setting, supporting patients, families, and nursing teams every day.
“This anniversary is an opportunity to recognise their professionalism, dedication, and impact, while reaffirming our commitment to ensuring they are valued, supported and able to thrive in their careers.”
A vision for change
There are many benefits that come with RCN membership, but for me, it’s about belonging to a professional body that recognises your role and supports your growth as a valued member of the nursing profession.
Being a member also provides opportunities to network, connect, and learn from others. So, whatever your role, please get involved in RCN Nursing Support Workers’ Day this November.
Since it was established in 2020, the day has grown into a national platform that recognises and elevates the contribution of the nursing support workforce.
It’s not just a day of celebration - it’s about visibility, professional pride, and giving nursing support workers a voice.
We’re not just part of the workforce, we’re essential to it
We have a vision and a plan for even more. The RCN UK Nursing Support Workers' Committee is focusing on:
- growing nursing support worker engagement and participation in RCN activities
- improving understanding of nursing support worker career pathways and development opportunities
- exploring the potential benefits of registration and regulation for nursing support workers
- better nursing support worker representation at local, regional, and national levels
- getting recognition for the critical nursing support worker roles in patient care.
Strength in numbers
To continue to strengthen the voice, visibility, and value of nursing support workers in the RCN and across wider health and social care systems, we need to work together.
The RCN belongs to all of us, and nursing support workers have a vital role in what comes next. There is space for everyone, and every voice matters. The RCN isn’t just a college for nurses – it’s a college for nursing, and that includes us.
The more we get involved, the stronger our impact will be. We’re not just part of the workforce – we're essential to it; bringing skill, experience, compassion and dedication to patient care every day.
This is our profession, our voice and our future. As we look ahead, it’s vital our contribution continues to be recognised, valued and heard at every level – because the future of nursing depends on all of us.
Five ways nursing support workers can get involved in the RCN
Small steps can make a big difference
- Attend events, study days or conferences. Attend the RCN UK Nursing Support Workers’ Day conference or a local event. This is a great way to celebrate achievements, get professional development and learning, connect with others across the UK and feel inspired and valued.
- Attend your local RCN branch meeting. Put yourself forward for roles when opportunities arise.
- Join RCN forums or networks.
- Join the professional online discussions relevant to us. Join the RCN Nursing Support Workers Facebook group to keep up to date with the work of your RCN committee.
- Speak to current reps or committee members. Stand for a place on the RCN UK Nursing Support Workers Committee.
