The review highlighted the handbook’s clear and practical guidance on professional accountability, safe clinical decision making and applying the Code confidently from day one. As new registrants transition into autonomous practice, this resource remains a vital source of clarity, reassurance and direction.

Colleagues also confirmed the ongoing importance of the sections on preceptorship, reflective practice and continuing professional development. These themes continue to resonate strongly with newly registered nurses, reinforcing the message that learning does not stop at registration—it grows and evolves throughout their careers. The handbook continues to balance expectations with the compassionate, supportive voice that early career nurses consistently tell us they value.

Importantly, the review reaffirmed that the handbook serves nurses working in a wide range of settings—from acute and community services to mental health, defence, and specialist environments. Its principles remain adaptable, accessible and embedded in the realities of contemporary practice.
As a Network, we remain committed to championing and supporting our early career members. The findings of this review confirm that the NRN Handbook continues to be an essential resource—one that anchors new nurses during a formative period and supports them to thrive professionally and personally.

We encourage newly registered nurses, practice educators, preceptors and employers to engage with the handbook, share it with colleagues, and use it as a tool for reflection, development and conversation.

You can access the NRN Handbook here: NRN Handbook | RCN Starting Out

Or, why not sign up to the Early Career Nurses Network to benefit from all its resources here: Early career nurse network | Royal College of Nursing

Or, watch one of our webinars here (I think “Leading your first shift in charge” is particularly good): Early career nurses network events | Royal College of Nursing