Publications
RCN publications cover a wide range of topics varying from clinical guidance to employment relations issues to advice on bullying. To reproduce RCN publications please complete the copyright request form and we’ll be in touch.
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12 May 2025
EDI Strategy: First year highlights and impact report
Publication Code : 012 110The RCN Group's first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, launched in May 2024, outlines a commitment to embedding equity and inclusion throughout the RCN by challenging discrimination and promoting representation at all levels. Serving as a living document, the strategy sets 5 key priorities and establishes clear structures and accountability to drive lasting change and advocate more effectively for its diverse membership. Read our report to find out how we are progressing and the steps we’re taking to deliver meaningful change.
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12 May 2025
Pathway to Progression: band 5-6 career progression for nursing
Publication Code : 012 112Registered nurses use evidence-based knowledge, professional and clinical judgement to assess, plan, implement and evaluate high-quality, person-centred nursing care. The RCN’s Fair Pay for Nursing campaign asks for long-term, structural reform of nursing pay which recognises the value of nursing across all levels and in all sectors and settings. This report outlines the clear arguments for pay reform, including introducing Annex 20 for the nursing workforce.
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12 May 2025
Nursing Workforce Standards
Publication Code : 011 930The RCN’s Nursing Workforce Standards is the first national blueprint for tackling the nursing staff shortage in your workplace and across the UK.
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6 May 2025
Council's Report to Members on Congress 2024
Publication Code : 012 070This report details the activities that have been carried out by RCN members and staff to push forward with the resolutions and matters for discussions passed at Congress 2024.
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30 Apr 2025
Caring for Infants, Babies, Children and Young People Requiring Palliative Care
Publication Code : 011 970Safe and effective palliative care requires specific competencies for nursing and support staff who work with children and their families in a range of settings. This framework sets out competencies for knowledge and skills across 5 topic areas in children’s palliative care relevant to career stages, highlighting the professional development required by a nursing care workforce spanning 7 levels of role from pre-registration practitioner to nurse consultant.
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24 Apr 2025
Celebrating Learning Disability Nursing in Wales
Publication Code : 012 090People with a learning disability in Wales live, on average, 20 years less than the general population – a stark indicator of the health inequalities they face. Learning disability nurses play a vital role in addressing these disparities. Yet there are significant challenges in understanding how many are needed in Wales, as well as in recruiting and retaining them. This report explores the challenges and sets out five key recommendations for the Welsh Government to ensure there are enough skilled professionals to meet the needs of people with a learning disability across Wales.
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9 Apr 2025
RCN Position Statement: The use of Hazardous Medicinal Products
Publication Code : 012 009As nursing staff are at risk of exposure to hazardous medicinal products, the RCN wants to see positive action being taken to protect health care workers now and in the future. This position statement outlines the key risks to nurses, highlights the current issues and makes calls on the UK government, the Health and Safety Executive, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and other relevant enforcement authorities and employers to take preventative action.
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7 Apr 2025
Working with Dogs in Health Care Settings
Publication Code : 011 943This updated guidance highlights the precautions that should be taken when dogs are brought into various health care settings and provides clear guidance on all reasonable safeguards that should be put in place to protect patients or residents, visitors and staff. It covers the role of both the dog and the owner/handler and includes information that all organisations should take into account before allowing a dog to access their premises. This includes staff with assistance dogs as well as patients, visitors, and people and organisations who have contact or who work with assistance dogs or therapy dogs.
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3 Apr 2025
Gender Pay Gap Report 2024
Publication Code : 012 065This report outlines the statistics of the gender pay gap at the Royal College of Nursing for 2024.
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26 Mar 2025
Eyes Right: Eye care insights for every health professional
Publication Code : 011 980This guidance highlights the importance of eye care, the roles and responsibilities of the carer in delivering care and accessing the right care at the right time. It covers support for the visually impaired, mobility and living skills, ophthalmic emergencies and non-emergency conditions requiring attention.
