Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

Your nursing journey starts here

Sheilabye Sobrany 18 Aug 2023

RCN President Sheilabye Sobrany congratulates those about to start their nursing degree and shares some insight into developments in simulation-based education. 

Congratulations to all those who received their exam results this week, and in particular those who are now starting their journey towards a career in nursing. I have faith in your abilities and know you will all achieve great things. It's time to celebrate your achievements so far and move forward with confidence. 

Remember, there are numerous paths to becoming a nurse, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Check out our dedicated student web pages, and don't forget to follow RCN students on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  

The decline in individuals pursuing nursing degrees this year is a cause for concern. Addressing and reversing this trend is crucial to ensuring safe and effective patient care now and in the future. The Westminster government must look again at ways to reduce student debt for nursing students and encourage more people to pursue a nursing degree, otherwise its ambitions to deliver its NHS Workforce Plan in England will remain unmet. 

This week I’ve learnt more about the development of simulation-based education (SBE) at Middlesex University. Such advancements are of great value in facilitating learning and are essential in preparing our future nurses for practice. Integrating this innovation into a comprehensive teaching method and resource approach will be critical to its success. The RCN’s position is that SBE must meet the evolving learning requirements of nursing students. It must also reflect the diversity of the nursing working environment, be accessible and evidence based. 

Throughout my tenure as the President of RCN, I have had the honour of collaborating closely with my colleagues on the Trade Union and Professional Nursing committees. They show unwavering dedication in supporting our members and amplifying the voice of nursing. If you'd like to get involved in one of our committees, discover more about how to nominate yourself for one of the available positions.  

We all know that nursing can be challenging - particularly for those who have relocated from other countries. We provide unwavering support and guidance to all our members throughout their careers, and we’re currently delivering a series of webinars for internationally educated nurses (IENs), to support them through their journey into nursing in the UK. Please share this link far and wide so that together, we can continue to provide the most supportive environment possible for IENs.   

I am excited about our upcoming autumn events, such as Black History Month, the Autumn Joint Reps Conference, and Nursing Support Workers' Day. I hope you'll join me in taking part in some of the exciting events we have planned.  

If you have any enquiries or comments regarding what you have read or anything related to RCN or nursing, feel free to contact me directly by emailing president@rcn.org.uk

Sheilabye Sobrany

RCN President

Sheilabye Sobrany is a Senior Lecturer at London South Bank University. She began her role as RCN President in January 2023 and will serve for two years.

Page last updated - 18/08/2023