About Royal College of Nursing

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the world’s largest nursing union and professional body. They represent nurses, student nurses, midwives and healthcare assistance in the UK and overseas. Initially established as the College of Nursing, the organisation had just 34 members. It has since evolved and now has more than 435,000 members around the world.

They aim to inspire others to greater heights and encourage members to be passionate about developing themselves and others, while pushing themselves out of their comfort zone.

The RCN choose an annual charity to support, with the most recent being The Big Issue Foundation. Fundraising included coffee mornings, running, jumble sales, dress-up and donate days, volunteering at local clubs and contributions to their Big Knit campaign. Staff can also take two paid days of volunteering leave for a good cause outside of the annual chosen charity.

What is it like to work for Royal College of Nursing

My Manager

84% of staff agreed:

My manager cares about me as an individual

There’s an immersive 12-month development programme to help managers realise their leadership potential. It starts with a 360-degree feedback exercise and teaches three intensive modules: Self (Insight), Team (Inspire) and Change (Adapt). Participants also complete a 1,500-word personal self-reflection after each module.

84% of staff agreed:

My manager cares about me as an individual

Wellbeing

76% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

Continuing Conversations measures performance through ongoing one-to-one conversations throughout the year with line managers, ending in a 4QReview, measuring performance against four key questions. Meanwhile, the Global Challenge initiative is particularly popular. In summer 2018, 175 people pledged to walk 10,000 steps every day for 100 days.

76% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

Fair Deal

83% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

The GEMS recognition scheme sees hard work and excellence publicly recognised. Everyone who awards a GEM has to include a reason, showcasing how staff live and breathe the core values in their day-to-day work. To date, 1,754 GEMs have been awarded.

83% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here

Benefits:

Women

At least 40% of senior managers are women
Holidays

Companies offering a minimum of 28 days annual leave to all employees
Gym

Companies offering either free gym/ sports facilities or offering subsidised gym membership for all employees
Pensions

Companies offering a final salary, non-contributory pension scheme to all staff or one in which the employer puts in at least three times
Long Service

50% of employees with more than 5 years' service
Maternity

At least 10 weeks’ full pay or generous alternative
Development

Non work related training supported
Family Friendly

School hours contracts offered to all staff