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Experience of being a forum committee member

Martin Galligan 28 Jun 2022

Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic I was offered a position to join the RCN Pain and Palliative care forum as a committee member.

Whilst I was aware of the work the forum had completed, I will admit that I was apprehensive about taking on such a role. Following in the footsteps of such inspirational nursing leaders was daunting. However, since taking on the role I have never looked back!

It has given me an opportunity to network with other nurses from across the four nations. It has given us a platform to share our learning and experiences and work towards a shared goal of supporting and highlighting the vital role nurses play in all aspects of care. It has allowed me to embrace my passion and champion pain education and the role of the specialist pain nurse. I was able to project lead the development of the career framework for pain nursing and highlight the knowledge, skills and expertise of nursing in this field. 

Flash forward to today and I now find myself not only a committee member but the new chair of pain and palliative care forum. In this new role I want to encourage other members to put themselves forward to be considered for these roles. You can be the next voice and champion for nursing and improve patient care within your area of specialty. All it takes is a passion for our profession and a desire to ensure high standards of patient of care. When you combine these with the support of the forum committee anything is possible! 

Whether your specialty or area of interest is the Pain and Palliative Care forum, or any of the other 31 forum steering committees with vacancies this year, this could be an exciting opportunity for you to develop your career and get more involved with the RCN.

The deadline for applying is 4.30pm on 22 July 2022 - don't miss your chance, find out more here.

Martin Galligan

Pain and Palliative Care Forum Chair

Lecturer Practitioner, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Lecturer practitioner in cancer care and advanced practice with a specialist interest in pain management. Experience as both a lead nurse and clinical nurse specialist in pain management.

Page last updated - 29/11/2022