The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) understands the enormous contribution internationally educated nursing staff (IENs) make to health and social care, and the particular challenges they face before and while they are working in the UK.
With over half a million members, the RCN is the world’s largest nursing trade union and professional body.
A trade union is an organisation of workers formed to protect and improve their working conditions. Trade unions negotiate fair pay, decent working conditions and provide representation to support their members, ensuring fair treatment by employers. Sometimes IENs are hesitant to join because of their experience of trade unions in other countries. Rest assured, the decision to join a UK trade union is yours and yours alone - your employer must not try to stop you.
As the number of IENs coming to the UK continues to rise, the RCN has developed a series of free live events, which aim to set IENs up for success. The free live events will assist you with some of the challenges and answer any questions you may have.
The next free live event will focus on ‘Terms and Conditions of Employment in Independent health and social care settings’, specifically tailored for internationally educated nursing staff. This online live event takes place on 28 February 2024, 6-7pm (UK Time) and will focus on independent health and social care:
Contracts (key terms and conditions (T&Cs), unwritten terms, changes to T&Cs, resigning)
Legal issues (repayment clauses, being dismissed, disputes with employer or recruitment agency, immigration skills charge)
For dates and timings, and to register for upcoming events: rcn.org.uk/IENLiveEvents
If you’re an International Nurse, Nursing Support Worker or Student who’s passionate about providing quality care and improving yourself each day, the RCN has many resources that can help you to achieve your career goals. Additionally, the RCN can also provide workplace protection and advice, networking opportunities, and career guidance.
For more information on how the RCN can support you, visit rcn.org.uk/membership