Jean Lewis, a recently retired clinical facilitator from London, spent 35 years of her district nursing career with one organisation and an impressive 32 of those as an RCN steward.
We caught up with Jean to find out what she’s learnt and her advice for newly accredited RCN reps.
Why did you become a rep?
I didn’t “just” want to do my job. I wanted to have a wider influence on the service I worked in.
Having attended numerous RCN conferences, which I found very motivating, I realised that being part of the RCN meant you were part of something so big and potentially so influential. So, I decided to become a rep.
What stands out for you when you look back at your time as a steward?
One big issue was the introduction of the Agenda for Change pay system in the NHS. I’m incredibly proud of the work myself and other reps did to get the best deal for as many members as we possibly could.
That early work made such a difference to our service going forward. The service attracted good people, and it also set a high standard for the team to live up to.
What has changed since you started in your rep role?
Things are always changing. For example, a change of HR director, whatever remit they were given, would have a massive impact on how reps needed to work with them to ensure fairness for staff.
As well as at an organisational level, there were of course political changes that meant you had to adapt the way you were working and decide what was realistic.
As nursing staff, we are always facing challenges but ongoing training from the RCN, refreshers, activist days and other events really help you to adapt to the new ways that government and commissioning bodies might be working in. The RCN training days also allow reps to hear what others are doing, and the challenges they’re facing, which is incredibly important.
It's helped my confidence, given me credibility and opened up so many opportunities
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a rep?
The beauty of being a rep is that you know the personalities of the people you are working with in your organisation. This helps you to build a good reputation and build credibility for yourself and your ability to influence. Find ways of how best to work together with people in your organisation and what systems need to be put in place.
It’s so important to build relationships with other unions too as we are stronger together for our members. Sometimes this can be hard, and a lot of work needs to be done to smooth the way, but it is worth it.
For me, and many others, being a steward isn’t just about representing members, it’s about getting involved in RCN campaigns and forums. I was one of the founding members of the RCN Nurse Practitioner Forum, and this work took me overseas. I campaigned with the health minister at the time, Baroness Julia Cumberlege, for a change in the law to allow nurses to prescribe.
My involvement in the RCN has given me a very rich career – it’s helped my confidence, given me credibility and opened up so many opportunities. My advice to others is to get involved to make the most of your nursing career.
Interview by Sarah Kahn
Jean’s top tips for new reps
- Build relationships to build your credibility.
- Build your support systems with RCN officers and with other union reps in your place of work.
- Recognise when you need support and ask for help.
- Encourage others to become reps – use technology to engage members, for example use video calls so they don't have to meet face to face, as this can sometimes be more convenient.
- Do the training available to you. Meeting new people and learning new skills will help you widen your influence.
Become an RCN rep
Becoming an RCN rep gives you the chance to make a real difference to your patients, the working lives of yourself and your colleagues, and even the future of nursing.
Find out more about the benefits of being an RCN rep and how to become one.
