Independent health and social care blogs
Read the latest blogs from our staff and members working in independent health and social care (IHSC).
If you have an idea for a blog we could publish, please email ihsc@rcn.org.uk.
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23 Nov 2023
The student, the nursing support worker and the mysterious poly bag
Today is all about celebrating and recognising the contribution nursing support workers make across health and care services. I remember my first few weeks as a student nurse working in a medical ward.
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17 Nov 2023
The benefits of a roundtable discussion - and a care home provider success story
Why independent sector nursing staff should attend our roundtable discussions - and how one care home provider successfully negotiated funding for their health care support workers to study nursing with the Open University while continuing employment in their workplace.
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17 Oct 2023
RCN NI Independent Sector Runner-Up Award
I am proud to say that my journey to achieving change in nursing homes has resulted in recognition of my hard work and dedication. I was honoured to receive the RCN NI Independent Sector Runner-Up Award.
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12 Oct 2023
With age comes wisdom (apparently)
Vicky Sandy-Davis, our Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in the West Midlands, discusses her career in learning disability nursing and how she came to work at the RCN.
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3 Oct 2023
The role of the Independent Health and Social Care Lead Nurse
My role as Independent Health and Social Care Lead Nurse at RCN Northern Ireland role is exciting and diverse.
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18 Sep 2023
Pushing for a cultural shift
IÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™ve always been an RCN member, but itÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™s only as a staff member that IÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™ve realised the true extent of what we do for our members.
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23 Aug 2023
Raising the voice of independent health and social care staff in Wales
Lisa Kieh, our Independent Sector and Community Adviser for Wales, discusses the challenges faced by members in independent health and social care and the work sheÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™s been doing to support them.
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2 Aug 2023
Using technology to improve pain management in care homes
Carol Dale, Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in Scotland, discusses how independent care nurses are exploring ways to improve pain management, including using digital technology.
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23 Jun 2023
Time to highlight the value of nursing in care homes
While the NHS is very much part of everyoneÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™s life, most of us donÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™t engage with care homes until later in life. This may be during a crisis when a friend, relative or indeed we are in need of support and subsequently make contact with social care services.
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21 Jun 2023
"Seeing vulnerable people treated without dignity and respect made me determined to complete my nurse training"
Sam Preston, Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care for the East Midlands, discusses how her career in nursing led her to the RCN and why improving patientsÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™ experiences has always been at the heart of her work.