Representing nursing students in RCN decision-making

I'm Shaun and I am the current Student Member of RCN Council.
 
My term of office ends this year and I would like you to consider whether you could replace me, representing the RCN’s student members on Council for the next two years. 

As Student Member of Council, my contributions to debates and decisions within RCN Council are representative of all student nurses, and as such I am required to be objective rather than just presenting my own views. To inform this, I regularly consult with members of the Students Committee to gauge student members' thoughts and feelings. However, it is important to stress I am not just a student representative on Council, there is a certain independence of thought and action that comes with being a Council member and ultimately the role dictates I act in the best interests of the College and its members as a collective entity.
     
In terms of the time commitment, there is typically something to do weekly, whether it be answering emails, attending meetings or liaising with staff and members. Currently Council meet monthly with accompanying workshops, albeit this is subject to change. This is the cornerstone of RCN Council work, with meetings being where decisions about the College's strategy and operations are made, and it takes some time to read the Council papers ahead of meetings and to consider your position on issues. In addition, the Students Committee meets several times a year, which you are invited to as Student Member of Council to present a report from Council. The role is what you make of it; it can be time-intensive, but it is manageable so long as you are disciplined and organised.
 
There are a number of highlights from my time on the committee. It has been a privilege to part of the RCN's current efforts around modernisation and organisational transformation, and to have been able to be part of many recent pivotal decisions including those around industrial action and humanitarian support for Ukraine. RCN Congress 2022 was also memorable. As someone who is neurodivergent and also disabled, I was well-supported to attend, and feeling part of an energised and active nursing community in-situ was truly magically.
 
This role has helped me to greatly improve my organisational and debating skills. I have also been exposed to and begun to internalise the art of diplomacy and strategic thinking. Being the Student member of Council is a unique apprenticeship as nurses often don’t gain such experiences until they are established and quite senior in their careers. 
 
My advice to anyone considering this role is to get your nomination in. Go for it! I applied at the 11th hour on a whim, and it was the best decision I have made so far in my nursing career. As long as you approach the role in a professional and business-like manner, you will thrive. 

If Shaun's reflections have convinced you to stand for election to become the next Student member of RCN Council, submit your nomination by 4:30pm on Monday 3 October. Find out more here.