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We attended RCN Congress - here is why you should too

17 Oct 2023

Every year, RCN Eastern members make a big impact at RCN Congress, leading and speaking in debates and getting their voices heard on the main stage and at fringe events.

The opportunity to attend RCN Congress as a voting member for your branch is open to all members.

The deadline for voting member applications for Congress in Newport next year is fast approaching – you need to apply by Monday 8 January 2024.

But why would you want to attend Congress and what will you gain from the experience? This is what some members who attended Congress in Brighton in 2023 have to say...

Patience: I attended Congress 2023 as a voting member, which means my travel and accommodation were fully funded. The experience was fantastic. I was able to join the debates and have my voice heard concerning issues in nursing I am very passionate about. You too can do the same. RCN Congress is an opportunity to learn, meet people, network, socialise and have fun. I had the great opportunity to host a fringe event on culture shock, which focused on empowering internationally educated nurses. The session was well received. At Congress, learning, wellbeing and networking events are scheduled around the main hall activities so that you can fit in as much as possible. Register to attend Congress 2024. You will be glad you did. 

Peace: It was my first time at Congress as a Cambridgeshire member. The discussions were valuable and transformational. Additionally, I love the unity that existed among nurses throughout Congress, even though there were different opinions. I connected with amazing people during the dinner and after the Congress party. Congress 2023 was an insightful event and I’m hoping to take part in another one soon.

Mo: Attending Congress 2023 gave everyone the opportunity to join in meaningful professional dialogue. Coming from an overseas background provided common grounds for some internationally recruited staff. We shared information, and I was able to provide professional solutions on how to overcome personal, professionally encountered cultural problems inherent within this country and culture. In turn, this helped me in realising the problems being faced by some staff who would not be willing to share problems with others for culturally sensitive reasons. This helps me in helping other members even more effectively. I recommend that staff attend this event to help each other. More experienced members can inspire less experienced colleagues by sharing their unique approaches in overcoming problems. This will be mutually enriching and empowering for everyone involved.

Rosemary: Attending Congress 2023 was a transformative experience. The knowledge I gained from the insightful sessions and discussions was invaluable. I had the privilege of hearing experts from various fields deliver their knowledge, which broadened my horizons significantly. I connected with amazing people and the networking opportunities were exceptional, allowing me to join with like-minded individuals and professionals who shared my passion. Moreover, the interaction workshops provided practical skills which could be immediately applied in my work. Overall, Congress 2023 was more than an event; it was a platform for professional growth and left an indelible mark on me.

Ruby: Attending RCN Congress 2023 for the first time and as a voting member was a profoundly enriching experience. Engaging in debates, contributing insights on crucial agendas and matters for discussion for nurses and midwives across all sectors, as well as attending fringe events and wellbeing sessions expanded my knowledge base. The presence of insightful and inspirational speakers, brimming with expertise, further elevated the whole experience. I am looking forward to the next one.

Find out more about becoming a voting member on the Congress page.


 

 

Page last updated - 18/10/2023