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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25 Jun 2024
Developing a successful programme for new starters in primary care
Jenny Bowen, Legacy Nurse for Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire Primary Care, explains how she set up a programme for new starters which has helped nearly 80 nurses find their feet.
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24 Jun 2024
The Diverse Role of Nurses in Schools: Leading the Way as an Independent Sector School Nurse |Blogs|Royal College of Nursing
Hello! I'm Kerry Tinman, an independent sector school nurse, and I'm excited to showcase the vital role of school nurses.
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14 Jun 2024
Empowering nursing staff through coaching
Georgina Turner discusses how she became a coach and the benefits coaching can bring for nursing staff.
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14 Jun 2024
Treating anxiety and depression in mesothelioma patients
Rachel Thomas discusses her work treating patients and families affected by a diagnosis of mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the pleura around the lung or around the abdominal cavity.
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7 Jun 2024
The 5 best things about being a General Practice Nurse
Claire Blake discusses how she got started with her career in general practice nursing and what she loves most about it.
