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The perfect preparation for your future nursing career

Emma Bird 3 Oct 2023

Emma Bird, the current RCN Students Committee member for the Eastern region, reflects on the highlights of her time on the committee and urges student members to submit an election nomination before the 11 October deadline.

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Being on the Students Committee gives you a unique opportunity to work alongside other nursing students from across the UK. This experience has allowed me to collaborate with peers who share the same passion for nursing and commitment to advocating for the rights of student nurses.
 
The highlight of my term on the committee was attending RCN Congress 2023 in Brighton. Being at Congress as a Students Committee member provided me with a significant platform to amplify the voice of the student membership and advocate for the concerns of student nurses. I took this opportunity to speak up on the critical issue of student supernumerary status, and how this supernumerary status is often not protected when student nurses are on placement.
 
Being on the Students Committee involves campaigning; networking; attending committee meetings; education activities; communication and collaboration; professional growth; advocacy and representation; but also, having fun! As a committee member you will need to provide guidance and advice to RCN Student Ambassadors, your peers, and other nursing students within the region.
 
The experience I’ve gained has helped with both my university studies and my preparation for a future nursing career, providing me with skills including leadership and organisation, communication, and professional development. It has also made me more aware of how to access resources and guidance. 
 
If you’re interested in taking my place on the committee, I really encourage you to make sure you read about and understand the role, begin to familiarise yourself with the RCN including your local branch and the region, and to be prepared to communicate your vision and show you have a passion for nursing. 

Are you ready to follow in Emma's footsteps by standing for election to the RCN Students Committee? Submit your nomination by 4:30pm on Wednesday 11 October. Find out more here.

 
Emma Bird

Emma Bird

RCN Students Committee member for the Eastern region

Emma is an RCN Student Ambassador, Student Lead, and Co-Social Media Lead for the Essex branch, while studying Adult Nursing at the University of Essex.

Page last updated - 03/03/2024