Nursing Support Workers' Day: Be part of our video

An important part of Nursing Support Workers’ Day (NSWD) is the video content we share – and we would love you to feature as part of it.

We are looking for nursing support workers to film a brief video answering a few questions about their role, and talking about this year’s NSWD theme which is focused on the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion.

This year, we are focusing NSWD on two important aspects of inclusivity of nursing support workers: 

• ‘Shining a light on’ the diversity of nursing support workers’ as individuals– whether that is age, religion, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or disability. 
• ‘Shining a light on’ the importance of inclusivity of nursing support workers within the nursing profession – whether that be through the breath of roles or settings you work in, or the importance of inclusive language to describe your contribution to nursing and patient care.

If you would like to get involved, please send your contribution by Tuesday 22 October.

Please answer question one and then choose one other question to answer in your video:  

1. Can you tell us about your journey into nursing and how your background has influenced the way you care for patients? 
2. How do you and your workplace embrace diversity and inclusivity, and how does this impact the care you provide? 
3. How have you seen equity, diversity, and inclusion practiced in your workplace, and why do you think it's important in nursing and for you as an individual? 
4. Can you share an example of how your workplace has celebrated your diversity as an individual or how you've supported others in your team? 
5. What would you say to someone considering a career as a nursing support worker, particularly those from diverse backgrounds? 
6. Why do you believe it's important for nursing support workers to be recognized and valued by their teams, patients, and the public? 
7. How do you think being part of the RCN helps nursing support workers feel more included and recognised within the nursing profession?

Below, we have shared some key tips to help enhance the quality of your video. These guidelines will ensure you create the best possible footage.

Setup 

• Please record your video portrait rather than landscape. 

Lighting 

• Best practices: If you can record yourself during the day with good natural light; position yourself facing the light source e.g. a window.
• Avoid: Direct sunlight through a window or hard lighting like a lamp directly on you as this creates harsh shadows; if possible avoid fluorescent lights that may flicker. 

Camera position 

• Ideal angles: Camera at eye level for a natural look; slightly above if you want to enhance the background.
• Framing tips: Try and make sure there is an even amount of gaps side by side so your body is not cut out from areas of position. Check to make sure there is space above your head.  

Room environment  

• Clothes different to the environment: Try to avoid using clothes that match with the background, for example white t-shirt next to a white wall.
• Background setup: Please check if there is anything showing in the background that you do not want to share e.g. confidential or private information. 

Engagement 

• Think about how to interact with the camera: as if you’re speaking to a friend. It can feel unusual filming yourself so if it feels like the camera is a person it can usually ease the tension. If it helps you ask a friend to hold your camera and record.
• Don’t worry if it’s not perfect, we can always clear the video up for the final edit, so it doesn’t need to be perfect from start to finish. We also want this to be natural.  

Tips for filming on a phone 

• Video setting: Ensure your filming in the highest quality setting available on your phone. 
• Battery life: Charge your phone fully before filming to a substantial amount to avoid interruptions. 
• Apps: Shut any other apps that might have notifications running. 

When you are ready to send your clips through (please send as many as you want) please upload them. We’ll review them and try and use as many contributions as we can on Nursing Support Workers’ Day.

Thank you so much in advance for submitting your contribution!