The highlight of my student career

I was the student member of the RCN Trade Union Committee (TUC) from 2020 to 2021. Nominations have been re-opened for this position, as nobody put themselves forward earlier this year. Being on the committee was the highlight of my student career, and I want nursing students to consider putting themselves forward for this amazing opportunity.

Joining the TUC will give you a chance to influence how the RCN develops its approach to being a trade union. Pay has obviously made headlines during the last year, and the way #FairPayForNursing campaign came together was something I was especially proud of during my time on the committee.

But pay and industrial action are just a couple of the issues on the committee’s agenda. Supporting members, improving terms and conditions in both the NHS and independent sector, job evaluation, pensions, health and safety, organising, and recruiting and training representatives: these are just some of the topics you’ll be discussing when you join TUC. I know some of these issues can feel a bit abstract when you’re still studying, but I urged you to remember it won’t be long until you’re part of the workforce. The changes need to be made now to improve our own futures, and being able to be part of that is an incredible opportunity. It really helped me to keep in mind what I was striving to achieve especially when surrounded by assignment deadlines.

Working with incredible, dedicated people was a real highpoint for me. The other committee members were so passionate, and I am still in touch with a few of them even though it’s been two years since I left the committee.

In those two years I’ve really progressed in my career. When I was elected I was in my final year studying adult nursing at the University of Central Lancashire. I am now a Nurse Manager. Being on TUC really helped me develop many skills that have helped me in my professional career. My communication skills improved and I am more able to explain complex scenarios down to individual details as well as looking at the wider scope. It also enabled me to see and understand other perspectives more clearly, even if I don’t entirely agree with them.

So, if what I’ve said sounds a bit appealing, and you’re considering putting in a nomination, I’d say definitely do it. I “umm-ed and ahh-ed” about putting myself forward for the role and I’m so glad I did. I got so many brilliant opportunities through my time with the RCN that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.