Independent sector in Northern Ireland
Many of our members in Northern Ireland are employed in the independent sector, also known as independent health and social care (IHSC). This includes all members working in settings outside the HSC, such as nursing homes, independent hospitals, nursing agencies, hospice services, general practices and more.
As the voice of nursing, we’re committed to connecting, engaging and representing nursing staff, no matter what sector or setting you’re employed in. This page signposts to useful information and resources about IHSC in Northern Ireland. For more general information about IHSC across the UK, please see our ‘Nursing across independent health and social care’ page.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact Brenda Rushe, our Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland, at Brenda.Rushe@rcn.org.uk.
Watch our latest webinars
Prioritising Care in the Independent Sector: Transforming Patient Experiences Through Specialist Services
The CIRCLE (Creating Inclusive Residential Care for LGBTQ+ Elders): Advancing Understanding of LGBTQ+ Ageing
Education, Learning & Development Opportunities for Nurses and HCAs in the Independent Sector
IHSC Learning Opportunities Initiative - What To Know On The Go (WTKOTG)
Listen to our latest podcasts
Library-in-a-Box
Working in the Independent Health and Social Care sector and want to improve knowledge and patient care?
Library-in-a-Box brings tailored books to your workplace. The box covers topics like leadership, teamwork, dementia, palliative care, peri-operative care and quality improvement. Plus wellbeing resources to support self-care.
Register your interest to receive a Library-in-a-Box
Find out more about the independent sector in Northern Ireland
Download our newsletters
IHSC networks in Northern Ireland
Our member-led networks in Northern Ireland provide professional networking opportunities and support for members in IHSC. This includes the Primary Care Network, the Independent Sector Nurse Managers Network (ISNMN) and the Independent Sector School Nurses Network. For more information, join our Independent Sector Network Facebook group or contact Brenda Rushe at Brenda.Rushe@rcn.org.uk.
More guidance and resources
Advice guides
Advice for nursing staff about problems at work, ill health, careers, legal issues, money matters, counselling, and more.
Subject guides
These guides provide key resources, books and journals related to various subjects and nursing specialties in your area of practice.
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blog posts
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16 Jun 2026
A First for Northern Ireland: A Career Pathway Mapping the Valuable Professional Careers of Nursing Home Nurses
A First for Northern Ireland: A Career Pathway Mapping the Valuable Professional Careers of Nursing Home Nurses, By Gary Cousins, NIPEC Senior Professional Officer.
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15 May 2026
Why is this guide needed?
The CIRCLE study (2022-2024) was developed to address the issue that many older LGBTQ+ people face significant barriers and inequalities when engaging with social care services in the UK.
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13 Apr 2026
Thinking Outside of the Box: Nobody Puts Nurses' Learning in a Box…. Until now.
Thinking Outside of the Box: Nobody Puts Nurses' Learning in a Box…. Until now. RCN Northern Ireland’s “Library in a Box” Is Transforming Learning
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12 Jun 2025
Inspiring Change: Stacey’s Journey from Uncertainty to Nursing Leadership and Academic Excellence, Championing Care Homes as Rewarding Career Pathways.
I never wanted to be a nurse.
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2 Apr 2025
"The hidden impact of our independent sector school nurse legends: insights from a doctor shadowing"
Dr Conor McAvoy says the immensely challenging, complex and holistic work of a school-based nurse often goes unrecognised.
Events in Northern Ireland
Page last updated - 24/06/2026
