Independent health and social care blogs

RCN NI Independent Sector Runner-Up Award

I am proud to say that my journey to achieving change in nursing homes has resulted in recognition of my hard work and dedication. I was honoured to receive the RCN NI Independent Sector Runner-Up Award. 

With age comes wisdom (apparently)

Vicky Sandy-Davis, our Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in the West Midlands, discusses her career in learning disability nursing and how she came to work at the RCN.

The role of the Independent Health and Social Care Lead Nurse

My role as Independent Health and Social Care Lead Nurse at RCN Northern Ireland role is exciting and diverse.

Pushing for a cultural shift

I’ve always been an RCN member, but it’s only as a staff member that I’ve realised the true extent of what we do for our members.

Raising the voice of independent health and social care staff in Wales

Lisa Kieh, our Independent Sector and Community Adviser for Wales, discusses the challenges faced by members in independent health and social care and the work she’s been doing to support them.

Using technology to improve pain management in care homes

Carol Dale, Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in Scotland, discusses how independent care nurses are exploring ways to improve pain management, including using digital technology.

Time to highlight the value of nursing in care homes

While the NHS is very much part of everyone’s life, most of us don’t engage with care homes until later in life. This may be during a crisis when a friend, relative or indeed we are in need of support and subsequently make contact with social care services. 

"Seeing vulnerable people treated without dignity and respect made me determined to complete my nurse training"

Sam Preston, Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care for the East Midlands, discusses how her career in nursing led her to the RCN and why improving patients’ experiences has always been at the heart of her work.

Bringing members together

As the 2021 film Help highlighted, people working in care homes felt isolated and unsupported during the peak of the pandemic, especially at the beginning when they lacked even basic PPE to protect themselves and their residents. 

I am thrilled to share with you the findings of our recent research study on advance care planning in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As a co-author of this study, I believe our findings hold great significance for your day-to-day practice, providing valuable insights into improving care and communication with care home residents and their families.