Mark Jarnell

Current RCN elections and appointments | Royal College of Nursing Find out about the current opportunities to get involved with RCN committees or boards.

Nominations are open for a range of elected positions including our Nursing Support Workers Committee & UK Reps Committees.

If you’re passionate about improving working conditions, championing patient care & supporting colleagues across the UK, put yourself forward today.

🌐 https://bit.ly/3ViIau0

A promotional image for Mental Health Nurses' Day on Saturday, 21 February 2026. The quote reads “The profession is pushing back, reclaiming its voice, and insisting on the value of what we do.” Below the quote, there is a section with a headshot and text introducing Amber O'Brien as Professional Lead for Mental Health Nursing.

"Mental health nursing is relational, skilled, and deeply human work."

This #MHNursesDay, Professional Lead for Mental Health Amber O’Brien reflects on how this vital specialism is reclaiming its voice.

Read her blog: https://bit.ly/4rZjHrZ

How will the new Mental Health Act affect healthcare? The Mental Health Act 2025 is the most significant overhaul of mental health legislation in England and Wales for more than 40 years. Learn about the changes and the effect it could have on mental healthcare

As we mark Mental Health Nurses' Day, we're reflecting on how the new Mental Health Act affects nurses working across healthcare settings. Do you know what it means for you?

Mental health care is health care. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

1/2 On #MentalHealthNursesDay we're recognising the dedication and vital impact of mental health nurses, who work tirelessly caring and advocating for their patients - thank you for all that you do.

The recent commitments from the Westminster gov't are a vital step to properly valuing the nursing profession. But we know more is needed.

We’re encouraging all members across the UK working for the NHS & HSC to explore job evaluation to ensure they’re being paid correctly. ➡️ https://bit.ly/3ORyyXb

Government figures have promised to “consign corridor care to history”, yet earlier this month they also said it “can’t be eliminated.”

So, which is it?

The government must clarify its position and finally publish the long-promised data on corridor care. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qpa9Gt

📍 Ukraine | With the harsh winter & ongoing disruptions to heating & electricity, many people are left with little means to stay warm.

Pierre Krähenbühl, ICRC's Director-General, met those experiencing these challenges at one of the heating points provided by our partner, the Ukrainian Red Cross.

✝️ Today marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent for many Christians.

Our best wishes to all those observing this season of reflection and renewal. Thank you for your continued dedication to caring for others. 💛

Taken from the Facebook page of: @newsnmc.bsky.social

Purple background with a large blue circle featuring a white crescent moon and small stars, alongside the text “Ramadan Mubarak” in white.

🌙 Ramadan Mubarak and our best wishes to all the nurses, midwives and nursing associates observing this holy month.

Thank you for your continued dedication to caring for patients and communities, and for supporting one another. 💛

This is how explosive weapons cause harm to civilians in populated areas In today’s armed conflicts, fighting increasingly takes place in cities, where civilians live, work and move every day, often just metres away from military objectives without knowing it. This video explains the humanitarian impact of explosive weapons with wide area effects, shows why their use in populated areas puts civilian lives and essential services at risk, and highlights the urgent need to limit civilian harm and protect what people need to survive.

In today’s wars, fighting increasingly takes place in cities, where usually most civilians live.

The humanitarian consequences of explosive weapons in these settings are huge, underscoring the urgent need to protect civilians from harm 👇🏽

ms.spr.ly/63321Qpc7d

Working time and breaks | Advice guides | Royal College of Nursing Advice guide for RCN members on working time, including Working Time Regulations, agency work, breaks, compensatory rest, health assessments and on-call work.

This month, nursing staff across the UK may be observing the holy month of Ramadan and fasting during this period.

It's important that all employers and managers have discussions with their staff about any workplace adjustments that may be required. Learn more in our advice guide ⬇️

NHS nursing pay award for 2026-27: your questions answered The 2026-27 pay award for NHS nursing staff has been heavily criticised by nursing unions after the government announced it would accept the NHS Pay Review Body recommendations in full. Here, we look at how things currently stand with the nurses’ pay award and what happens next

What is happening with nurses' pay in 2026?

As governments in England & Wales accept the NHS pay award, our Q&A looks at what all UK nurses can expect on pay in the year ahead.

As the holy month of #Ramadan is about to start, the
IFRC extends its best wishes to all those celebrating.

At our 2026 Congress this May, you can:
✅ Help inform our influencing work on nursing policy
✅ Hear from inspiring speakers
✅ Help shape the nursing profession

Find out more and book your free place #RCN26 ➡️ https://bit.ly/3LXxSP7

Together we are:

❤️ half a million members strong
❤️ representing nursing staff in all settings
❤️ leading conversations and speaking up for patients
❤️ making the voice of nursing heard

We are united. We are the RCN.

📢 Join us today: https://bit.ly/4tmrSA8

#HeartUnions

Happy Valentines Day during LGBT History Month

NHS nursing staff to get 3.3% pay rise in April Nursing staff on Agenda for Change contracts will receive their annual pay award on time for the first time in six years, however unions have expressed their anger at ‘insulting’, below-inflation pay rise.

NHS nursing staff in England and Wales will get a 3.3% pay rise in April.

Staff on Agenda for Change contracts will get their annual pay rise on time for the first time in years, but unions have vented their anger at the below-inflation award, labelling it an insult.

BREAKING NEWS: The government is to offer a 3.3% pay rise for NHS nurses on AfC contracts for 2026-27. 

It follows recommendations from the NHS Pay Review Body.

More to follow.

https://rcni.com/nursing-standard/newsroom/news

The RCN has responded to an announcement that Agenda for Change staff will receive a pay increase of 3.3%.

For all the latest on nurse pay go to : rcni.com/keywords/pay

Westminster government announces Agenda for Change pay award in England | News | Royal College of Nursing The RCN says the government’s below-inflation 2026/27 NHS pay award is an insult

🧵 Today, the governments in England and Wales have announced a 3.3% pay award for NHS staff for 2026/27. This is below inflation and far from what nursing staff deserve.

Read more ⬇️

Addressing the use of individual resilience as a form of gaslighting in healthcare organisations Addressing the use of individual resilience as a form of gaslighting in healthcare organisations

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that can harm your confidence, judgement and well-being.

How common is it among nurses and the NHS?

journals.rcni.com/nursing-stan...

Earned settlement The government is consulting on how the current settlement system should be reformed and how those reforms should be implemented.

📢 Just one day left to take part in the UK government's consultation on their proposals to double the qualifying time for Indefinite leave to Remain.

We need to let them know we oppose these unjust proposals - make your voice heard before 23.59pm, 12 Feb ⬇️

For 160+ years, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has brought hope and help in humanity’s hardest moments. Our emblems, more than symbols, stand for shields safeguarding humanitarian workers, volunteers and affected communities 👇🏽

For 160+ years, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has brought hope and help in humanity’s hardest moments.

Our emblems, more than symbols, stand for shields safeguarding humanitarian workers, volunteers, and affected communities.

They must be protected, always.

Graphic with covers of books from the "Activism reading list", alongside text which says: "Discover books which inspire action"

❤️ #HeartUnions Week is all about the power of coming together. Fuel your activism with our curated reading list, packed with books to spark ideas and inspire action.

📚 Start reading: https://rcn.libguides.com/activism

Poster promoting the Royal College of Nursing's #HeartUnions event from February 9-15, 2026. It features three heart-shaped images: a person speaking at a podium, two people talking, and a group of people. A heart symbol is displayed below the images. Text reads "Get involved."

How to get involved in #HeartUnions Week:

💬 Talk to colleagues about joining the RCN
📝 Share why you’re proud to be an RCN member
📣 Amplify our campaign messages on safe staffing & fair pay
🌐 Learn more about becoming an RCN steward, health and safety, or learning rep: https://bit.ly/3ZREEsS

Government funding to improve nursing career progression in England | News | Royal College of Nursing After sustained RCN pressure, nursing staff will benefit from a package to tackle barriers to progression

🧵| Last year, RCN members working in the NHS in England voted to say: we deserve more.

We've been clear with the government – nursing staff need progress in both careers & through the annual pay award.

Today, we can announce that significant progress has been made on career progression. ⬇️

Black background with white text and graphics. Title reads "NHS Unions" at the top. Below, it says "NHS Mileage Negotiations Webinar" and "Friday 13 February 12-1pm" in large font. There is an image of a speedometer gauge. At the bottom is the Royal College of Nursing logo.

Alongside other NHS Trade Unions, we've been in negotiations with employers to fix the broken NHS mileage scheme so that it more fairly reimburses staff for using their own cars for work.

Are you a union rep?
Join the below webinar this Friday to understand the proposals ➡️ https://bit.ly/4alxDFw