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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6 Dec 2023
Paws for Thought: The Benefits of Puppies in a Nursing Home
Connie Mitchell, Manager of Aughnacloy Nursing Home, tells us how Jack Russell pups Sidney and Stanley have brought joy to both residents and staff at the home.
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23 Nov 2023
Celebrating Nursing Support Workers' Day with Rebecca Watkins, Health Care Assistant
Rebecca Watkins, a Health Care Assistant for adults with learning disabilities, discusses what being a Nursing Support Worker means to her.
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23 Nov 2023
Celebrating Nursing Support Workers' Day with Louise Devlin, Senior Health Care Assistant
Louise Devlin, Senior Health Care Assistant at Aughnacloy Nursing Home, tells us what being a Nursing Support Worker means to her.
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23 Nov 2023
The student, the nursing support worker and the mysterious poly bag
Today is all about celebrating and recognising the contribution nursing support workers make across health and care services. I remember my first few weeks as a student nurse working in a medical ward.
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17 Nov 2023
The benefits of a roundtable discussion - and a care home provider success story
Why independent sector nursing staff should attend our roundtable discussions - and how one care home provider successfully negotiated funding for their health care support workers to study nursing with the Open University while continuing employment in their workplace.
