Become a nursing support worker member | Royal College of Nursing (2024)

As the world's largest nursing trade union and professional body, we are here to support the whole of the nursing workforce.

Our nursing support worker membership includes health care assistants, assistant practitioners, health care support workers, nursing associates, trainee nursing associates and maternity support workers. Join today to access your benefits and have your say on issues that affect you –from campaigning for fair pay, to joining in debates at RCN Congress.Together we can make the voice of nursing stronger.

• Join online
• Call 0345 772 6100

Benefits of RCN membership

By joining the RCN, you'll benefit both professionally and personally, and with access to our 365-days-a-year helpline, we'll be here when you need us. Membership costs just £8.20 per month - or £4.10 per month if it's your first year with us.

As a member, you'll gain access to:

Learning resources

With Europe's largest nursing library, and access to RCN Learn, you'll have evidence-based, quality assured learning resources at your fingertips.

Workplace representation

Covering everything from workplace employment issues to NMC referrals, we have local reps, officers and a legal team on hand to support you.

Counselling

Access confidential telephone counselling with one of our accredited therapists to help you deal with challenging emotional issues.

Welfare guidance

Advice on issues relating to your financial wellbeing, including better off calculations, non-regulated debt, benefits and benefits appeals.

Member discounts

Recoup the cost of your membership with discounts at over 3,000 retailers, plus enjoy preferential rates and deals on insurance, will writing and financial advice.

Careers service

Explore the next step in your career with our telephone career coaching. Tailored online resources can also help you with CV writing, career ideas and inspiration.

Not only that,

• Our legal team is the largest of any UK union, we can support you with representation at inquests, in workplace criminal matters and injury claims.
• Get peace of mind about clinical negligence claims with our indemnity cover- extending to agency shifts and other self-employed roles. T&Cs apply.
• Why not join one of our many member forums, connecting individuals with shared career interests and shaping the voice of the RCN?
• And, our immigration advice servicecan assist members already in the UK, with matters such as UK visa extensions and applications for settlement.

Be sure to check our membership eligibility requirements further down, before applying for membership.

Learning resources

Develop and grow with access to online learning resources, First Steps, local learning eventsand Europe’s largest nursing library.

Advice service

Our confidential advice service is there to help you with workplace issues, your career, welfare rights and more.

Career progression

Gain from one-to-one career advice, help with writing your CV and interview skills. Progress your career like Nicola, a Healthcare Assistant.

And more

Find out about the other ways our members have benefited from their RCN membership, from financial guidance to legal advice and much more.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for nursing support worker membership, you must work providing health or social care under the guidance and supervision of a registered nurse, midwife or health visitor and not be on a professional register (such as NMC or HCPC), unless you are a nursing associate, or it is a register held by the Scottish Social Services Council or the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.

Membership costs

* tax relief may vary depending on your tax situation

Find out more about how you can claim tax relief on your RCN subscription.