Introduction

It has been over a year since we last posted a blog, and we thought it would be helpful to provide an update on what we are doing in 2025. It will be no shock to hear that the independent sector is growing, and as it grows, we have some exciting initiatives planned.

RCN Northern Ireland is committed to promoting the value of nurses and healthcare assistants/nursing assistants working in the independent sector. With your support, we can successfully influence policy and decisions together. This can only be achieved with you, the experts in the independent sector, engaging with the RCN through our networks and planned events. 

One of our aims for 2025 is to build connections with RCN members employed in independent hospitals. If you are one of these members, please contact me at Brenda.Rushe@rcn.org.uk to ensure that I understand and can better support you with the specific challenges and needs of RCN members in your area. We are always keen to hear from members to share their expertise, allowing us to co-design events and initiatives relevant to you.  

Library Box initiative

Another initiative we are eagerly anticipating is the launch of our Library Box initiative in mid-2025. This initiative aims to provide books and RCN resources to support your workplace. Initially tailored for nursing homes and hospices, we plan to expand this offering to other areas where our members are active. If you want your workplace to participate, please get in touch with me at Brenda.Rushe@rcn.org.uk. 

Upcoming events for 2025

RCN Northern Ireland has planned a series of virtual events co-designed by our independent sector networks. The events that you can look forward to are: 

• Wednesday 16 April, 2-4pm: RQIA – Good Governance
  Join us for a discussion with Elaine Connolly, RQIA Director of Adult Social Care, Care Homes & Domiciliary Care, on the role of regulators in the Independent Sector. This session will help you understand the regulator's role and support your governance and quality improvement. 

• Wednesday 18 June, 2-4pm: Education, Learning, and Development Opportunities for the IS
  This session will share information about the available professional development opportunities in independent sector nursing and healthcare. Representatives from Queen's University, Belfast, Ulster University, the Open University, and RCN staff will be on hand to identify the current learning and development opportunities available to nurses and healthcare assistants/nursing assistants employed in the independent sector. 

• Tuesday 26 August, 2-4pm: The Rise of Long-Term Conditions (LTC) in the IS – Are We Ready?
  Hosted by Callum Metcalfe-O'Shea, RCN Professional Lead for Long-Term Conditions. This session will examine the increasing prevalence of LTCs and how the independent sector can assess whether it is ready or can plan for this shift in healthcare needs. 

• Tuesday 21 October, 2-4pm: Accountability & Delegation
  Led by Rosaline Kelly, RCN NI Senior Nurse, Professional Practice, this workshop will explore accountability and delegation in nursing to improve your understanding and practices in the IS. 

• Monday 3 November, 2-4pm: Congress Resolution Submissions. As we conclude the year join us in hearing from Dr Stephanie Craig, from QUB, Independent Sector Network Lead, about the impact and process of congress resolution submissions in RCN governance. 

The RCN wants you!
We are genuinely excited about these upcoming events and initiatives and urge all RCN independent sector members to join the events. We are keen to meet and hear from you to support your nursing and healthcare journey. These sessions and opportunities will strengthen our collective voice and help us to make a difference to nursing in the independent sector. Please consider attending these events to share your insights and represent your views.

Finally, if you have previously considered joining our network but weren’t sure, this is your signal to join. You can choose how involved you want to be - there is no pressure. If you have any questions about joining the network, please get in touch with me, and I will be happy to discuss it further. Make 2025 the year you joined one of the RCN NI IS Networks listed below:

• Independent Sector Nurse Managers (Nurse Managers IS)
• Independent Sector Nurse Managers (Agency Nurse Managers)
• Independent Sector Network (Nurse and Healthcare Assistants/Nursing Assistants)
• Independent School Nurses Network (School Nurses employed in schools)

Brenda Rushe
Brenda.rushe@rcn.org.uk