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Nursing across independent health and social care  

We’re here to support all our members, no matter what sector or setting you’re employed in. 

A significant and growing number of our members work in independent health and social care (IHSC). This diverse group includes all nursing staff employed in settings outside the NHS. That could be care homes, nursing agencies, private hospitals or somewhere else entirely. It also includes members – such as general practice nurses – who may provide NHS services but not be employed on Agenda for Change contracts.

This page signposts you to some of our most popular resources. Many of these will be relevant to all members working in IHSC, while others are tailored to particular roles or workplaces. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch by emailing ihsc@rcn.org.uk.

Key IHSC resources

Many of these will be relevant to all members working in IHSC, while others are tailored to particular roles or workplaces.

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Pay, terms and conditions in IHSC

Find information about pay, terms and conditions, including resources for starting conversations with your employer and requesting a pay rise.
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Our work for members in IHSC

Read about the different ways we support our members in IHSC and find out who’s leading this work in your country or region.
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Funding opportunities for IHSC

Read our list of funding opportunities across the UK open to IHSC professionals.
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Our fight for fair pay in IHSC employers

View a timeline of our recent campaigns for fair pay at a range of IHSC employers.

News and Events

Here you can find out all about the latest news, read insightful member blogs and view our related IHSC upcoming exciting events held at the RCN.

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News and Blogs

Read the latest online member blogs and news across all nursing specialities within independent health and social care.
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Upcoming IHSC events

Register your interest to attend a range of in-person and online events held at the RCN across independent health and social care.

General nursing resources

Most of the resources on our website are relevant to all members – no matter what sector or setting you’re employed in. This includes many of our advice guides and subject guides, as well as the clinical information on RCN Learn.

Workplace-specific resources

We also have a range of resources tailored to specific roles and workplaces within IHSC. You can access these resources through the relevant forum or network: 

We're here for you

If you're an RCN member who needs help with any aspect of your employment, you can access online advice or contact us directly. We're here to help – wherever you work.

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Upcoming events



30 blog posts
  • Gary Mitchell Gary Mitchell 1 Jun 2023

    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.

  • Sharon Smyth Sharon Smyth 26 May 2023

    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!

  • Connie Mitchell Connie Mitchell 26 May 2023

    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.

  • Nurses' Day 2023 - image of three nurses with the text 'The difference nursing makes' Carol Dale Carol Dale 26 May 2023

    Celebrating Nurses’ Day the Care Home way

    Earlier this month nursing staff across the world celebrated international nurses’ day, the anniversary of Florence Nightingales birth and an opportunity to recognise and showcase the important contribution nursing staff make.

  • Sarah Winfield-Davies 800x400 Sarah Winfield-Davies Sarah Winfield-Davies 11 May 2023

    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.