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Join the Royal College of Nursing

Join a powerful community of over half a million nurses, nursing support workers, midwives and students, united in advancing our extraordinary profession.

From your first day as a student nurse to retirement and beyond, we're here to support every step of your nursing journey – so that you can focus on delivering exceptional care and fulfilling your potential. 

Group of nursing staff smiling

Find the right membership for you



Don't know which membership option is right for you?

Use our membership selector tool to help you decide.


Are you a registered nurse?

Are you in a supportive or assistive role such as a health care assistant, health care support worker, nursing assistant, care assistant or assistant practitioner?

Are you a student?

Are you going on maternity leave or taking a break from work (for example going overseas)?

Are you a Nursing Associate or Student Nursing Associate?

Do you provide health or social care under the guidance and supervision of a registered nurse, midwife or health visitor, and are not on a professional register* (such as NMC or HCPC)? 

*Unless it is a register held by the Scottish Social Services Council or the Northern Ireland Social Care Council. 

Are you retired?


Do you have questions about joining? Read our FAQs.

Be part of a powerful nursing movement

Every day, nursing staff are up against unsafe staffing levels, crumbling standards and low pay.

Get involved in the fight and join over half a million passionate nursing staff campaigning for fair pay, safe staffing and the respect we deserve as the largest safety-critical profession.

We work with our members to:

  • influence governments and employers
  • improve working conditions and pay
  • campaign on issues that are holding nursing staff back
Nursing staff on picket line

How you can get involved

There are countless ways to get involved and get the most out of your membership. Whatever your nursing goal, find a path there with us.

Bring your expertise and experience to support members and influence change in your workplace and area of clinical practice.

Being part of the RCN means being supported in my nursing and being cared for with compassion.

Sunil, RCN member

FAQs

Terms and conditions of membership are set out in the Definitions of Membership, and Membership Policy and Process documents found on our policies and processes page.

Visit our governance rulebook for further information on our Royal Charter, Standing Orders, regulations and policies and processes that ensure effective governance within our organisation.

Eligible members can claim tax relief against their subscription. To help you do this, we can supply a letter detailing the payments against which you can claim tax relief. Please call our Customer Support Team on 0345 7726 100 who will be happy to help. Choose option 1 for membership (Monday to Friday 8.30am – 8pm excluding Bank Holidays). This call will be charged at a local rate.

Just so you know, we are not able to give financial advice and you should contact your accountant or financial adviser if needed.

Once you have joined, confirmation of your membership can be downloaded from MyRCN.

If you pay for your RCN membership by Direct Debit we will automatically renew your membership. If you pay for your membership by card or cheque each year, then you can renew online at www.rcn.org.uk/renew.

To support our members throughout every stage of their lives and careers, we offer a career break membership option, which includes maternity leave, ensuring that we are there for you throughout your leave.

For a reduced fee you can stay in membership and continue to access RCN legal cover, support and representation, as well as our other services and member discounts. To receive support and representation you will need to revert to full membership payment.

Become a member

Join us and become part of the world's largest nursing trade union and professional body.  

We’re here by your side at every step of your nursing journey, to support you both professionally and personally.

Group of nursing staff in a hospital ward

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