As the Support Worker Development Officer for RCN Scotland, my role is to work closely with our NSW members, travelling the length and breadth of Scotland to engage with and educate them, whether that’s in an NHS hospital or an independent care, or in one of our cities or a rural community hospital.  

What always strikes me as I meet with all of our NSWs is not only the variety of roles and settings but the thing that unites each and every one of them - commitment, passion and professionalism. That, for me, is the key thing to celebrate on Nursing Support Workers’ Day, and why I join the entire nursing profession in giving thanks for everything that NSWs do every day. 

This celebration also gives me pause to reflect on the barriers that some NSWs experience in accessing learning. In my experience, NSWs have a real appetite to learn when given the opportunity. That’s why RCN Scotland works hard to create opportunities through our workplace education programme, which aims to meet our members where they are. This year, so far, we’ve travelled across Scotland from Shetland to Dumfries and will be continuing our programme in 2026. I’d encourage each and every NSW to look out for these opportunities and talk to your practice educators if you’d like us to come and visit your workplace.

NSW Day is only one day, however, it matters to us that we hear the voices of NSWs every day of the year, as understanding their experiences is valuable. I’d encourage our NSW members to get more involved with the RCN, whether that’s coming to one of our training days, using some of our online training tools, or even speaking up on behalf of NSWs in Scotland. The opportunities are endless and your voice can make a difference. 

All that’s left to say today is Happy Nursing Support Workers’ Day to you all and remember my inbox is always open if you’d like to get involved and you can reach me at Jennifer.underwood@rcn.org.uk