This year marks 25 years since we opened our membership to the nursing support workforce. Over the past quarter-century, membership of the nursing support worker category has grown significantly and now has more than 48,000 members working across a huge range of different roles throughout all sectors of health and care, and in every corner of the UK. 

This is a moment to reflect on how far we have come together, to celebrate our nursing support workforce members and the RCN Nursing Support Workers Committee, and to look to the opportunities ahead. Most importantly, it is a chance to recognise the incredible contribution the nursing support workforce makes every day.

For me, this anniversary is about people.

It is about the patients and families who place their trust in nursing support workers, often at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. It is about the health care support worker who sits with an anxious patient, offering reassurance and helping them feel less alone. It is about the nursing assistant who notices a small change in someone’s condition and raises the alarm. And it is about the colleagues who support one another through difficult shifts, share their knowledge and go the extra mile to ensure that patients receive the care, dignity and compassion they deserve.

These moments wouldn’t make headlines, but they often mean everything to the person receiving care. A reassuring word, a listening ear, a gentle touch or simply taking the time to be present can make a lasting difference to a patient’s experience.

Nursing support workers are often alongside those they care for when they need it most, building trust, providing comfort and recognising the small things that matter. Their contribution is vital as part of the team delivering safe, compassionate and high-quality nursing care, and it is wonderful to see this increasingly recognised and valued across our profession.

Over the past 25 years, nursing support workers have helped shape nursing in ways both big and small. They have achieved recognition for what they are capable of, increased opportunities for development, and a stronger voice in speaking up about the issues that matter to them and the people they care for.

At the heart of that progress has been leadership.

When we talk about leadership, people often think about senior roles or job titles. But I have always believed that leadership is much broader than that. 

It is about showing kindness when a colleague is struggling. It is speaking up when something does not feel right. It is listening to patients, recognising their individual needs and advocating for them when they need support. It is sharing knowledge, encouraging others and having the courage to suggest a better way of doing things. 

As the RCN’s UK Professional Lead for Nursing Support Workers, I have been privileged to witness our members from the nursing support workforce demonstrating this kind of leadership every day - without recognising that it is leadership that they are displaying.

As we celebrate what has been achieved over the past 25 years, we must also look to the future. I want to see the nursing support workforce continuing to grow in confidence and influence. I want to see greater opportunities for learning and professional development and increased recognition of their skills and expertise. I hope that we’ll see more nursing support workers making their voices heard and shaping the future not only of the RCN, but of the health and care services in which they work.

Supporting the development of the nursing support workforce, valuing their experience and ensuring their perspectives are counted not only benefits the workforce but also the patients, families and communities who rely on their care.

Nursing support workers bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and insight to their teams. They understand the realities of delivering care and often have a unique understanding of what matters most to patients. They see first-hand the challenges faced by the people they care for and are able to identify opportunities to make impactful changes. 

Such insight is invaluable, and it’s vital that we continue to ensure that the nursing support workforce is not only respected but also included in decisions that shape the care we all provide. 

We must never underestimate nursing support workers or the value of what they have to contribute, which is why this year’s Nursing Support Workers' Day Conference will be focusing on leadership, communication, teamwork and workforce engagement. 

The conference is our annual opportunity to recognise and showcase the vital role the nursing support workforce plays in delivering safe, compassionate and high-quality care.

It is also an opportunity to come together, share experiences, learn from one another and ensure that the voice of the nursing support workforce continues to have influence within the RCN and beyond – so book your place today to be part of the conversation.

As we mark 25 years of RCN membership, I hope every nursing support worker feels proud of what has been achieved. 

We have come a long way, but there is still much more we can accomplish together, so I hope you will join us to mark Nursing Support Workers’ Day on 23 November.