Nursing across independent health and social care
We’re here to support all our members, no matter what sector or setting you’re employed in.
A significant and growing number of our members work in independent health and social care (IHSC). This diverse group includes all nursing staff employed in settings outside the NHS. That could be care homes, nursing agencies, private hospitals or somewhere else entirely. It also includes members – such as general practice nurses – who may provide NHS services but not be employed on Agenda for Change contracts.
This page signposts you to some of our most popular resources. Many of these will be relevant to all members working in IHSC, while others are tailored to particular roles or workplaces. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch by emailing ihsc@rcn.org.uk.
Key IHSC resources
Pay, terms and conditions in IHSC
Our work for members in IHSC
Funding opportunities for IHSC
Our fight for fair pay in IHSC employers
News and Events
News and Blogs
Upcoming IHSC events
General nursing resources
Most of the resources on our website are relevant to all members – no matter what sector or setting you’re employed in. This includes many of our advice guides and subject guides, as well as the clinical information on RCN Learn.
Advice guides
Advice for nursing staff about problems at work, ill health, careers, legal issues, money matters, counselling, and more.
Subject guides
These guides provide key resources, books and journals related to various subjects and nursing specialties in your area of practice.
Workplace-specific resources
We also have a range of resources tailored to specific roles and workplaces within IHSC. You can access these resources through the relevant forum or network:
We're here for you
If you're an RCN member who needs help with any aspect of your employment, you can access online advice or contact us directly. We're here to help – wherever you work.
Upcoming events
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blog posts
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27 Mar 2023
Nurses working in general practice
In RCN Northern Ireland we have a very successful General Practice Nurse (GPN) network for nurses and nursing associates working in primary care.
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23 Mar 2023
Connecting and empowering General Practice Nurses across London
Millie Simms, our Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care (IHSC) in London, discusses her work to support General Practice Nurses (GPNs) as part of the GPN Monthly Meeting Group.
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22 Feb 2023
Introducing our new Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in the North West
Melissa Stanton describes her journey through nursing to her new role representing our independent sector members in the North West.
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15 Dec 2022
My vision for the future of Independent Health and Social Care in Scotland
Carol Dale, our new Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in Scotland, discusses the challenges facing the sector and her vision for how things can be improved.
