This special edition of Nursing Matters focuses on our brilliant nursing support workers across the UK, to recognise their invaluable contribution as the RCN celebrates its annual Nursing Support Workers’ Day. We’re talking about the critical roles they play, how they deserve better recognition, and why this vital but often neglected element of the nursing workforce should get the best education and training opportunities for career development.  Our special guests are Tara Johnson, a healthcare assistant working with children and young people at Torbay Hospital, and R ..read more

October is Black History Month, an opportunity for the RCN to spotlight the contributions of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic nurses across the profession. Dr. Ann Mitchell is a practitioner, educator and researcher in mental health nursing. She talks about her work: challenging stereotypes, stigma and the racism faced by both service users and those who care for them – highlighting the importance of transcultural care, and equal opportunities.  Nursing Matters is presented by PNC chair Rachel Hollis and committee member for the West Midlands Ray McMorrow. Tell us what YOU want us t ..read more

The nursing workforce in crisis – this week’s Nursing Matters hears from Professor Alison Leary, a Fellow of the RCN whose areas of expertise include health care and workforce modelling, and patient safety.   Why is the nursing workforce in such a precarious position? How could this crisis be solved? As RCN members are asked to vote for strike action, why is nursing pay pivotal to the health, safety and wellbeing of the nursing profession, and the UK population?   “We have a perfect storm now of pay restraint and an exhausted workforce that can't put his head above the parapet ..read more

The nursing profession has a long history of activism and of advocating for change. This episode of Nursing Matters hears from Professor Dame Anne Marie Rafferty, past RCN President, Professor of Nursing Policy and noted historian. Anne Marie introduces her top nursing heroines, makes the case for industrial action to effect positive change and discusses the links between pay and patient safety. “Nurses are absolutely crucial in driving access to care, you know, quality and patient outcomes…you can't run a system on goodwill everlastingly.” “There are times when you have to respond. You just f ..read more

As the RCN prepares to ballot members on industrial strike action, we talk to one nurse from Northern Ireland who knows exactly how it feels to join a picket line.  In 2019, Edna Grant took part in the first ever strike by RCN members which resulted in pay parity and a commitment to safe staffing legislation for the nursing profession in Northern Ireland.  Edna shares how she made the decision to go on strike, how derogation worked and how patient safety remained paramount. She also offers insight into how she feels now, with industrial action once again on the horizon.  &n ..read more

With the announcement of the NHS pay awards, we’re looking at the state of pay in nursing. Are UK governments doing enough to recruit and retain the nursing staff our profession, and most importantly our patients, really need?   And just how likely is it that nurses will take industrial action? Special guests Ben Zaranko, senior research economist from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and Denise Kelly, Chair of the RCN Trade Union Committee join us to talk pay, safe staffing, and strike action.  Nursing Matters is presented by PNC chair Rachel Hollis and PNC committee member Pa ..read more

The UK relies heavily on recruiting overseas nurses to join the workforce, at a time when we have an urgent need to increase our own domestic supply. In the context of a global shortage of nurses, how should we manage international recruitment, and how can we improve the support given to international nurses when they arrive in the UK? Special guests Felicia Kwaku OBE and Charlotte Collings join us to explore ethical recruitment, the experiences of overseas nurses, and how we can learn from diaspora nursing communities. Nursing Matters is presented by PNC chair Rachel Holli ..read more

Nurses are leaders, innovators and creators. As we mark International Nurses’ Day, we’re celebrating the profession, and exploring the diversity of nursing roles today. Special guests and RCN award-winners, HMP Cardiff’s Kirsty John and founder and director of British Sikh Nurses Rohit Sagoo, join us to explore the theme of this year’s Nurses’ Day – ‘the Best of Nursing’. Nursing Matters is presented by PNC chair Rachel Hollis and PNC member Professor Alison Leary. Tell us what YOU want us to discuss on the podcast by tweeting @theRCN with the tag #NursingMat ..read more

This month the Royal College of Nursing has rejoined the International Council of Nurses, the global organisation which represents more than 27 million nurses around the world. Why did we leave? Why did RCN members vote to rejoin? And what role should we play in a global profession transformed by COVID and by conflict? This week’s guests are Professor Daniel Kelly, the RCN Chair of Nursing at Cardiff University and member of the RCN’s International Committee and Jeni Watts, one of the coordinators of ‘We Are Global Nurses’, which campaigned to bring the RCN back into membership of the ICN. T ..read more

To mark National Cancer CNS Day, we’re looking at the critical role of the Clinical Nurse Specialists in cancer care. What is the experience of cancer across the age spectrum? And what should be in the government’s next 10-year cancer plan? Special guests Nikki Morris and Helen Pearson join us to explore the challenges facing the nursing workforce in cancer care. #NationalCancerCNSDay  Nursing Matters this week is presented by PNC chair Rachel Hollis and guest co-host Paul Trevatt. Tell us what YOU want us to discuss on future podcasts by tweeting @theRCN wit ..read more