As a registered nurse with almost ten years’ experience working in independent health and social care (IHSC), I’m keenly aware of the challenges facing the sector. On top of issues with fair pay and safe staffing, IHSC nurses also have to contend with the fact that they’re not part of the NHS, and many of the conversations around nursing tend to leave them out or include them only as an afterthought.
Like many others, I chose to become a nurse because I wanted to make a difference in the world. I originally worked in insurance, until my dad’s death from brain cancer showed me the profound impact that nursing care can have on a person’s life. I was inspired to start over and change careers, returning to university and qualifying as a Registered Nurse in 2013.
Since then, I’ve worked in care homes, private hospitals and Personal Independence Payment assessing. I’ve been an agency nurse, a member of the clinical safety team for a software supplier and Digital Transformation Lead for the National Care Forum. Throughout it all, the memory of my dad’s care has stayed with me, spurring me forward to be the best nurse I can possibly be. That’s why, when I saw the RCN was looking for a new Transformational Lead for the IHSC Sector, I knew I had to apply. This was my chance to make a difference and speak up for my colleagues.
Since starting in the position in August, I’ve been impressed by the renewed focus on IHSC members and the challenges they face. The College has always supported our members in this sector, but part of the current IHSC Strategy is to make that support and representation even better. This is a major priority for the RCN. As well as updating our existing resources for IHSC sector employees and continuing our fight for fair pay in non-NHS settings, we’ve also been recruiting a network of Lead Nurses for the IHSC sector across every region of England, as well as Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. These new Lead Nurses will be joining us over the next few months, with their initial focus on building relationships with local RCN members and IHSC sector employers, as well as local and regional commissioners, care groups and NHS colleagues.
Meanwhile, I’ve been linking up with colleagues from across the College to ensure that the voice of the IHSC sector is heard in all areas. For example, when planning the current industrial action strike ballot for NHS employees, it’s important to consider the impact this could have on the IHSC sector as well. Many independent employers base their pay scales on NHS structures, and any increase in NHS pay would provide a useful reference point when negotiating with these employers for a raise.
I’m proud to be representing the IHSC sector, and I’m passionate about improving the RCN’s services. But I also want to hear more from our members. My inbox is always open for questions and comments at Claire.Sutton@rcn.org.uk – please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Like many others, I chose to become a nurse because I wanted to make a difference in the world. I originally worked in insurance, until my dad’s death from brain cancer showed me the profound impact that nursing care can have on a person’s life. I was inspired to start over and change careers, returning to university and qualifying as a Registered Nurse in 2013.
Since then, I’ve worked in care homes, private hospitals and Personal Independence Payment assessing. I’ve been an agency nurse, a member of the clinical safety team for a software supplier and Digital Transformation Lead for the National Care Forum. Throughout it all, the memory of my dad’s care has stayed with me, spurring me forward to be the best nurse I can possibly be. That’s why, when I saw the RCN was looking for a new Transformational Lead for the IHSC Sector, I knew I had to apply. This was my chance to make a difference and speak up for my colleagues.
Since starting in the position in August, I’ve been impressed by the renewed focus on IHSC members and the challenges they face. The College has always supported our members in this sector, but part of the current IHSC Strategy is to make that support and representation even better. This is a major priority for the RCN. As well as updating our existing resources for IHSC sector employees and continuing our fight for fair pay in non-NHS settings, we’ve also been recruiting a network of Lead Nurses for the IHSC sector across every region of England, as well as Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. These new Lead Nurses will be joining us over the next few months, with their initial focus on building relationships with local RCN members and IHSC sector employers, as well as local and regional commissioners, care groups and NHS colleagues.
Meanwhile, I’ve been linking up with colleagues from across the College to ensure that the voice of the IHSC sector is heard in all areas. For example, when planning the current industrial action strike ballot for NHS employees, it’s important to consider the impact this could have on the IHSC sector as well. Many independent employers base their pay scales on NHS structures, and any increase in NHS pay would provide a useful reference point when negotiating with these employers for a raise.
I’m proud to be representing the IHSC sector, and I’m passionate about improving the RCN’s services. But I also want to hear more from our members. My inbox is always open for questions and comments at Claire.Sutton@rcn.org.uk – please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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