Royal College of Nursing (RCN)

About us

The Royal College of Nursing is the world’s largest nursing union and professional body.

We represent over half a million nursing staff and students in the UK and internationally. Our members are spread across over 100 branches in 12 countries and regions, with 2,000 of them acting as workplace representatives.

How we're governed

Here at the RCN, we take good governance seriously. This means working tirelessly to improve our culture and making sure our members are represented across all of our governance processes. Find out more about this work and how you can get involved.

• Our governance

How we support our members

Our expertise covers all areas of nursing, from clinical practice and policy to workforce standards and employment relations. This puts us in a unique position to support our members across a huge range of professional, personal and legal issues.

• Our support services

How we influence for change

Together with our members, we work with all governments across the UK. This includes all political parties and elected representatives. Our goal is to make sure your voice is heard by decision makers to get the best outcomes for you and your patients.

• Our influencing work

Where we started

We began in 1916 as the College of Nursing – a professional organisation with just 34 members. Since then, we've evolved into the largest professional association and union for nursing staff in the world with over half a million members.

• Our history

We represent nurses, midwives, nursing support workers and student nurses across the UK.

• Become a member