From discussing fair pay to cost of living, Leanne and Chuks have gained confidence and skills by using their voice to speak on behalf of members.
They talk us through their respective experiences getting in front of the camera on behalf of the RCN.
Leanne: ‘If I answer truly, my message is clear’
I’ve appeared on BBC News to speak about nursing pay. Initially I was daunted, because pay and staffing are such important topics and I wanted to make sure I said the right thing.
As a nurse, I was speaking on behalf of the profession, so I had to really think about the wider experience of nursing staff right now. As a rep, I’m always checking in with colleagues, every day on rounds and in the staff room, and they’re not afraid to voice their opinions.
In interviews, if I’m asked about something I haven’t personally experienced, such as using food banks, I think very hard about colleagues who have and answer on their behalf, so that their voice is heard.
It was nerve wracking, but the RCN media team and regional officers were very helpful. They met me beforehand, gave me a brief, and explained the kind of questions I would be asked so I could prepare answers – you’ll never be thrown in front of a camera with no opportunity to prepare.
I may look comfortable on screen, but I’m actually quite nervous. I’ve had a fear of public speaking for a long time, but I know that if I prepare what I’m going to say, I can do well. If I answer truly, from the heart, my message is clear.
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The filming took about 25 minutes, but the edit was only thirty seconds. The interviewer and the camera crew focus on all the practical stuff, so you don’t have to do anything other than get your point across. I’ve also done media work virtually, which is even more straightforward. I’ve since gone on to do magazine and radio interviews, too.
If it’s going to help our profession, then I’m all in. Overall, the experience has boosted my confidence. What I’d say to members is that if you feel passionate about nursing, and the staffing crisis we’re facing, get your voice heard.
We need to hear from everyone, from all nursing backgrounds and all walks of life. Our workforce is diverse, and we want our members and the public to see that.
Leanne McCarthy is an intensive care nurse and RCN steward.
Leanne’s top tips
- Express your views and make sure to include the experiences of your colleagues.
- Prepare lines so you can confidently and clearly express them if you’re feeling nervous.
- Pick three things that are the most important for you to convey, so you don’t get muddled about what you want to say.
Chuks: ‘I do it for colleagues who don’t feel able to speak out’
I’ve done television interviews on the cost-of-living crisis and the impact it’s having on nursing staff. This is a subject I’m passionate about, and being a rep, I feel like it’s my role to give support to members and raise awareness of the issues they’re facing.
But I don’t just speak out for our members, I speak out on behalf of everyone I work with.
When I did an interview with BBC News on mileage rates, and how nurses were struggling to pay for fuel, I spoke to my colleagues first. They knew what I was doing and told me how they felt about the situation, and I made sure to incorporate their views. The more experiences we can share, the better.
Being a rep, I feel like it’s my role to raise awareness of the issues members face
When I knew I’d be on television, I let my senior managers know. I explained that I would be doing it on behalf of myself and colleagues, for the RCN and not on behalf of the trust. I explained that I would be doing it in my own time and I thought it was respectful to let them know, so our relationship is open and honest.
I wouldn’t want members to feel discouraged to be more active in the media, especially if they’re worried about backlash from their employers. To that I’d say: hold firm, go with your gut feeling, and politely explain your intentions and why you feel the need to do it.
I must admit, I don’t do much preparation for interviews! You don’t always have much notice that they’re going ahead, but I’m always happy to go for it. Being on the spot doesn’t really bother me. I’m very passionate about what I do and confident in expressing myself.
As an outspoken person, sometimes I think it’s something I can do for colleagues who might be more apprehensive about sharing their thoughts or experiences. I feel I’m doing it on behalf of those colleagues who don’t feel able to speak out.
The RCN media team always brief me and they’re very helpful in organising and coordinating the interview. One thing members should know is that it’s often very last minute. Sometimes the interview happens, sometimes it gets dropped, but if I’m on a day off, I’m happy to make myself available in case it goes ahead.
Because of my experience, if an interesting or relevant issue comes up in the workplace, I can contact the RCN to see if they want me to speak about it on television. People at work recognise me now, and after being on television I get a lot of high fives!
Chuks Ifeajuna is a clinical nurse lead and RCN steward.
Chuks’s top tips:
- Follow your instincts and trust that you know how to discuss issues you’re passionate about.
- Be polite but push for what you believe in with your employers.
- Play to your strengths, and if you’re confident in your voice, use it.
