Raising the voice of independent health and social care staff in Wales

Lisa Kieh, our Independent Sector and Community Adviser for Wales, discusses the challenges faced by members in independent health and social care and the work she’s been doing to support them.

Using technology to improve pain management in care homes

Carol Dale, Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in Scotland, discusses how independent care nurses are exploring ways to improve pain management, including using digital technology.

Time to highlight the value of nursing in care homes

While the NHS is very much part of everyone’s life, most of us don’t engage with care homes until later in life. This may be during a crisis when a friend, relative or indeed we are in need of support and subsequently make contact with social care services. 

"Seeing vulnerable people treated without dignity and respect made me determined to complete my nurse training"

Sam Preston, Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care for the East Midlands, discusses how her career in nursing led her to the RCN and why improving patients’ experiences has always been at the heart of her work.

Bringing members together

As the 2021 film Help highlighted, people working in care homes felt isolated and unsupported during the peak of the pandemic, especially at the beginning when they lacked even basic PPE to protect themselves and their residents. 

I am thrilled to share with you the findings of our recent research study on advance care planning in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As a co-author of this study, I believe our findings hold great significance for your day-to-day practice, providing valuable insights into improving care and communication with care home residents and their families.

Personal reflections on winning the RCN Nurse of the Year Independent Sector Award 2022

Winning an award in recognition of work accomplished is indeed the highlight of any career, but I would add that winning when you are least expecting it makes it even more incredible!

What it means to be an RCN NI Network Lead

I joined the RCN membership in September 1983 as a pupil nurse and have maintained my membership throughout my nursing career. However, my engagement levels increased after I attended “The Leading For Care” programme in 2013.

Forever grateful for my YTS experience

I’ve been a qualified nurse for 31 years. I originally wanted to be a policewoman, but I hated sixth form as all my friends had left school, so I left too and joined a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) working in a nursing home.