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 organization of workers formed to protect and improve their working conditions. Trade unions negotiate fair pay, and 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.

The RCN knows that there are many challenges and difficulties specific to overseas nursing professionals and works hard to support IENs through professional development, workplace support, legal advice, career guidance, and member support services. The RCN has developed resources, specifically for IENs, to support the transition to life in the UK and to help IENs progress professionally in the UK.