Getting active in the RCN - my experience as a Branch Executive

“Who is the RCN? It is not the building at Cavendish Square. It is you and I.”

This statement above was part of my submission during the RCN Congress held in June 2024, where I had the privilege of participating in a discussion concerning the future of RCN boards and branches.

Among the points I raised was the importance of members actively engaging with the RCN. We can only get the change we desire if we are actively involved.

It is crucial for every member to comprehend the dual role of the RCN as both a trade union and a professional organisation for nursing personnel in the UK. The RCN is well-placed to provide support to its members in a wide array of professional, personal and legal matters, encompassing all aspects of nursing, including clinical practice, policy, workforce standards, and employment relations.

Reflecting on my experience with the RCN over the past three years, I can attest that it has been a period of significant personal and professional growth and development.

Before relocating to the UK in 2021, one of my professional nursing development objectives was to take on leadership positions in research and education, establishing and implementing evidence-based practice and clinical nursing practice standards. My aim was to broaden my personal and professional network in order to achieve this goal.

The RCN provided me with the opportunity and a platform to realise this ambition. Moreover, my hidden passion for activism was also brought to light during this process.

I started by getting accredited as an RCN Learning Representative at my workplace a year after joining the RCN.  I was able to help members plan and manage their learning and development processes by sharing information, skills, and expertise with new nurses, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals through feedback, mentorship, and professional development support.

I expanded my professional network and enriched my skills by participating actively in the RCN, attending meetings and learning events whenever possible. In 2023, I attended the AGM of my branch for the first time, unaware that I would be selected to serve as the Chair for the year 2024. The enormity of this responsibility was difficult to comprehend, but I was inspired by the support I had received from the region. I was never discouraged as a member of the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, rather I believed that this was an opportunity to make a positive impact on the branch.

As the Chair of my branch for the past eight months, I have gained extensive knowledge and experience in leadership and management. Through collaborative efforts with the regional body, branch committee members and the RCN representatives at different workplaces, we have made significant progress, which had previously proven elusive for the branch. The feedback received from members has been overwhelmingly positive. Nevertheless, while we have made significant strides, there remains much to accomplish, which I believe applies to all branches across the regions in the RCN.

In the coming weeks, all members of the RCN are presented with a valuable opportunity to engage and participate in the AGM of each branch. These meetings serve as a platform for members to stay informed about the happenings within their branch and contribute their ideas. By actively participating, members can play a part in shaping the future of the RCN. The chance to offer suggestions, foster innovation, and collaborate is a valuable aspect of these meetings. Furthermore, branches require more representatives, and this presents a chance to take on a leadership role.

This is also serving as a call to action for those in positions of leadership within the RCN, regardless of their capacity, to extend their support and mentorship to members who wish to take an active role. By fostering an enabling environment, the RCN can bring out the best in its members and ensure the organisation's progress. It is crucial to remember that without the dedication and effort of its members, the RCN would not exist.

In conclusion, it is vital that we increase our capacity to advocate for the nursing profession, provide mutual support in order to bring about the necessary changes and be willing to consider this.

Find out more: RCN South East Branches.