Tell your story
Sharing your lived experience of having a disability or being neurodivergent can help other members in similar situations as well as showing employers what is possible.
We collect video stories and podcasts. On this page you can find out how this works and how to get involved.
Filming takes place remotely using Microsoft Teams. We use an interview approach, asking questions to keep your story flowing.
When you begin the interview, the interviewer (generally an RCN peer Support Service staff member) will go off camera but you will be able to hear them. If you need to lipread they will stay on camera.
Your story is edited so that only you are speaking (not the interviewer). You approve the edit before it is shared.
To assist in editing, it is helpful if you and the editor try to pause after asking and answering questions.
We will publish your video story online and may also share it in full or in part at events and on social media. You sign a release form prior to filming giving permission for this.
We advise that you don't identify your employer. On these grounds, there is no reason you shouldn't go ahead with telling your story. Some members still let their employer's Comms team know as a courtesy though.
You may want to praise your employer for their support. In this case, let your employer know what you will be doing. In larger organisations the Comms department will be able to help you. If you're not sure, check with your line manager.
In Ana's story we hear from Ana, her line manager, the head of nursing at her employer and her RCN rep. Is there someone you could ask to contribute to your story? This helps us show the process from different perspectives.
Wear something you feel comfortable in. If you wear a uniform to work you can wear this if you wish. We don’t recommend wearing anything that would identify your employer (see previous section). Avoid clothing with ‘busy’ patterns as these can be distracting.
Find a quiet space with a neutral background to film.
Your head and shoulders should be in shot.
If you wear glasses check that there is not a glare on the lenses from light sources.
Take your time and feel free to stop and redo answers if you are not happy with your first response.
Some guidance questions are sent to you ahead of the filming to give you an idea of the sorts of things we’ll discuss.
This is your story so have a think about what your key messages are and we will make sure to cover them.
Making a podcast
Record your podcast somewhere quiet. Using a set of headphones with an inbuilt microphone, or speaking in to your device mic without interference is recommended.
You can use audio recording software on your mobile phone, tablet, laptop or PC. Many devices have this software inbuilt.
Your story should be a maximum of 6 minutes long.
Once you have recorded your story simply email it to us peer.support@rcn.org.uk
In the email, please also include:
a photo of you that we can publish with your podcast
any social media handles you'd like publishing with your podcast
your RCN membership number
Your story is a chance to share what feels most important to you; to educate & inspire. Please
touch on:
- Create an individual podcast lasting no more than 6 minutes maximum which provides some detail about your experience. Please introduce yourself and your role. You don’t have to share who your employer is if you prefer not to / are not employed.
- How do you refer to yourself ie. “disabled” “differently abled” “neurodiverse”…
- What would be your advice to others in a similar situation.
You may also wish to comment on:
- One thing that you think that anyone who is interested in being an ally should say/do/be in order to be effective.
- What makes you feel valued as a nurse, this could be better pay, recognition, equality of opportunity etc. Name what you want to see and experience.
- An element of organisational or system change eg: better reporting of incidents, stronger culture of speaking up, inclusive talent management
