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magazines
Finding the Black nurses of the Royal Navy
In the 18th century, enslaved Black women were made to work in the British Empire’s naval hospitals, treating sailors with yellow fever and malaria. Historian Dr Erin Spinney finds traces of their lives and work in the archives
Updated: 25 February 2025 -
magazines
Celebrating 25 years of RCN Direct
We look at how the vital service has evolved over a quarter of a century of supporting members
Updated: 31 July 2023 -
magazines
‘They’re not just little adults’: the history of children’s nursing
New RCN exhibition 'Once Upon a Time' traces the specialism’s history – from the first children’s hospitals to today’s family-centred care.
Updated: 24 June 2024 -
Making the case for facilities time and facilities agreements in the NHS
This guidance sets out the provisions in the Trade Union Act, looks at the benefits of union representation and facilities agreements and restates what the law and good practice say about the issue. It aims to provide you with information to make the case for facilities time and agreements. At the b...
Updated: 4 February 2021 -
RCN defines nursing support workers and their level descriptors
The new definitions will help support and protect nursing staff, and give clarity to employers and the public. They can be applied across all fields and settings
Updated: 14 October 2025 -
magazines
Empowering mental health nurses: how psychosocial interventions are changing practice
A new RCN training programme is giving nurses the tools to intervene earlier, support families, and improve outcomes for patients
Updated: 15 October 2025 -
My Journey into Activism – and the Future We’re Building
Rhian reflects on how she found her voice in nursing activism, from steward training to strike action, and why the Activism Academy and new activism strategy matter for the future.
Updated: 15 October 2025 -
RCN Dementia Action Week 2025
In a very moving account, South East Board Chair, Michael Fanning, reflects on "finding the joy in the moment" when supporting a friend with dementia.
Updated: 17 October 2025 -
Nursing students sleeping in cars, using food banks and struggling to secure jobs, devastating testimony reveals
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger, said: “The testimony from our nursing students struggling to feed themselves or put roofs over their heads is incredibly moving, but it also leaves me angry that they are put in this position in the first place."
Updated: 17 October 2025 -
'There is no hope of delivering the government’s reforms whilst the NHS is simultaneously being asked to cut staff and services’, warns Royal College of Nursing
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: “It’s an appalling state of affairs when trust leaders talk about cutting frontline roles and closing beds to make savings. Nursing staff already face an almost impossible job as they try to keep patients safe amidst a workforce...
Updated: 17 October 2025
