Today we have published the first report on the findings of the RCN member survey which ran during May and June. It details what you told us about your work and, following the weeks of Clap for Carers, the changes needed to make you feel truly valued.
Around 42,000 of you took the time to respond and explain how your professional lives have been changed by the pandemic. And reading through the responses and our report, I am struck by the strength of feeling from our membership.
Whether you are working with COVID-19-positive patients or maintaining services elsewhere, your message is unanimous – we need change now.
Tensions that were already there are now exacerbated, and earlier sticking plasters are no longer covering gaping holes. You want dangerous staffing shortages addressed and to be paid fairly for your professional practice. It cannot continue – more of you than ever are considering leaving the profession we love.
The messages for those in authority could not be clearer: our members are working harder than ever but feel less valued.
The full analysis of the survey findings will be published in the coming months. As a union and professional body, we will use these findings to inform our action now and as we plan for the future, to ensure our profession is recognised for how it keeps people safe and provides support when our communities are most in need, both in the NHS and independent health and social care sector.
The UK Government needs to do everything within its gift to help our existing workforce to deliver needed safe care. Ensuring that nursing is attractive, well-paid and meaningfully supported is how the NHS and independent health and care services will keep our patients safe. This requires an honest dialogue on the basis of the facts with nursing – and our members have told us clearly, they are ready to lead that discussion.
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