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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14 May 2024
Nursing and the Armed Forces Community
Military nursing is a vital, yet often overlooked, area of our profession. RCN Fellow and former British Army Colonel Alan Finnegan is determined to change this.
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9 May 2024
Reshaping the narrative around care homes and the nursing staff who work there
Carol Dale, our Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in Scotland, discusses the challenges facing care homes and why she still has hope for the future.
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2 May 2024
The power of connection
Pam shares how the RCN has been working to connect our members across independent health and social care in Wales.
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1 May 2024
Update from your South West lead nurse for the independent health and social care sector
I have been in post for just over a year now, so I wanted to share some of the things I have been doing.
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20 Mar 2024
We come at a cost, but we have so much to offer
Iola Marie Khan reflects on the ups and downs of working as an agency nurse.
