Relighting my passion for nursing

In my role as a branch executive member for the Gloucestershire branch, it’s important that I help ensure that the branch is well represented at Congress and I am also getting myself prepared for the debates, learning events and the exhibition that makes RCN Congress the important event it is.

This will be my fifth time attending RCN Congress. I first attended as a student and in more recent years as a voting member representing the Gloucestershire branch. 

This year I want to make sure that all Gloucestershire members' voices are heard. 

As a voting member I am not only representing myself, but also acting as an advocate for up to 1,000 other RCN branch members. 

I would encourage Gloucestershire members to get involved with the branch and attend our events in the runup to Congress. 

Discussions with members in the runup to the event help voting members attending to ensure their votes are informed by members so they are truly representative. 

Brighton this year will be a new experience for me, first time on the coast with Congress, and it will be busier, post-Covid, than in previous years. 

The success of Congress comes from members; the agenda is selected by a panel of members from submissions by member entities such as branches, boards and forums. 

This year I led a submission from our branch for an agenda item on looking after patients in corridors and other inappropriate places which has been accepted to the agenda as a matter for discussion. 

The debate will discuss what good practice is for corridor care and how organisations are helping with the impact that care in inappropriate settings has on patients and staff. 

Opening this debate at Congress, in front of a huge hall of members, with many more watching online will be a huge step out of my comfort zone. 

However, I am hoping for the debate to enable the sharing of knowledge and experience, so we can all learn together to improve our professional practice for patients and the nursing team. 

All the Congress programme is accredited and can be used for our CPD and revalidation and there are a broad range of fringe events available throughout the week between debating sessions. 

This year, myself and some of my colleagues, are presenting work we have undertaken to set up and embed a peer support network within our organisation and share how this has improved recruitment and retention while supporting staff wellbeing; something much needed in our profession right now. 

I would encourage all members to attend Congress; ideally for the whole week to get the full experience, however even if you can only make it for a day, it’s worth it. 

The event helps shape nursing and sets the agenda for the RCN for the coming year. 

Learning about the advances within the profession from colleagues, for me, reignites the fire of passion which I have within me for our profession. 

It did this for me when I first attended as a student and now, years later, I still get the same feeling all over again. 

If you can, join us, and take part in the biggest nursing conference in the country. 

You can sign up to attend Congress for free here.

Details of Gloucestershire branch's pre-Congress meeting can be found here.