To help explain, I thought I would share some of my experiences of attending Congress over the years.
Congress is a wonderful learning, networking and participating conference held annually by the RCN.
All members have the opportunity to attend. You can apply for a funded voting place that means your travel accommodation and food are all provided. Members can apply for one of these places and then their request is reviewed by the branch and board and if they are successful they are allocated a funded voting place.
Voting members are there to listen, participate and vote on resolutions that are proposed by RCN branches, forums and other committees across the UK.
All members are also able to attend free of charge as day attendees or for the week and self-fund your accommodation, travel, and food.
Non-funded/ non-voting members can listen and participate but don’t vote.
I have attended as both a voting and non-voting member, and I have enjoyed every experience.
The topics covered in the debates vary from very sensitive ones such assisted dying or racism through to a range of lighter subjects such as social media and nursing.
The resolutions that are passed help formulate the work of the RCN for the coming year. We receive feedback at the next Congress on how the work is progressing.
Last year RCN Gloucestershire Branch submitted a debate about corridor care that was changed to a resolution in recognition of the serious nature of the issue. It is now is a big workstream for the RCN across the four countries.
Keynote speakers have included ex-prime ministers and other politicians, people talking about the lived experience of disability, and more. My most memorable speaker was the poet Michael Rosen, who shared his Covid diary with us from when he was in hospital in a critical condition. There were lots of tissues handed around during his talk.
There are numerous opportunities to participate in learning and wellbeing events during the day. The John Goodlad lecture is always packed to the rafters as it’s a health and safety lecture.
Dany Cotton and her reflections on being the Chief Fire Officer at the Grenfell Tower tragedy is the one I always remember.
There are also opportunities to do yoga, guided walks, and this year there is even a singing group.
The networking and social gatherings are great fun and great opportunities to get to know colleagues from across the four countries and build lasting friendships.
Attending Congress is hard work, lots of fun, great for reinvigorating your commitment to improving patient care and working lives of our colleagues.
And also, so important to all the nursing family, there are free pens by the shed load from the exhibitors. The best total collection of pens I heard of was 132.
I know it is too late for funded member applications this year, but it isn’t that far to get to Newport (nearer than Glasgow or Liverpool) so please consider registering to attend as a day visitor to gain the wonderful experience of Congress. .
If you are unable to attend, then start planning and talking with your branch about ideas for resolutions or matters for discussion for next year.
I am there as a self-funding Congress ambassador this year so please come and find me for help or a chat.
