ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ

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Influencing on your behalf

Influencing Scottish health and social care policy and practice

We campaign on issues of concern to ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ staff and patients, influencing health policies and promoting excellence in ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ practice on behalf of our members.

Our influencing work

We respond to consultations from Scottish government, calls for evidence from the Scottish Parliament on proposed changes to policy or to the law, ensuring that the voice is ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ is represented. We regularly brief key political and sector stakeholders on the key issues impacting ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ staff and the actions needed to ensure our members receive the recognition and support they need and that ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ is an attractive and rewarding career for generations to come.

Nursing Workforce in Scotland 2025

Our latest report shows the pressures on Scotland’s health and care system and the ongoing ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ workforce crisis have shown little sign of improvement.

The Nursing Workforce in Scotland 2025

Ministerial Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce

Find out more about how the Taskforce will work, the scope of its work and what the RCN expects

Scotland election campaign 2021 Valuing workforce 1

Government review of financial support for ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ students

In response to lobbying from the RCN the Scottish government has committed to a review of the current financial support package for ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ students. This is your chance to get involved and influence change for you and future ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ students.

The Scottish government has been holding engagement sessions looking at the existing financial support and other ways to support you to complete your studies. The planned dates have now happened and we will update here if any more are planned.

Nursing Student Finance

Download our briefing

We created a briefing for ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ students to help you prepare for attendance at the Scottish Government events.

Protect the future of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ, before it's too late!

We need more nurses. But the financial pressure on students today is pushing too many away from ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ.

To become a nurse in the UK, students undertake university studies alongside mandatory placements as part of their training, with very limited financial support.

Add your name to call on governments across the UK to commit to review the financial support available for ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ students. 

close-up of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ staff member signing document on clipboard

A National Care Service for Scotland

Find out more about the review looking at the long-term future of adult social care in Scotland, what we've been doing so far and how you can get involved.

Social Care

RCN Nursing Workforce Standards

The RCN's Nursing Workforce Standards are the first national blueprint for tackling the ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ staff shortage levels across the UK. They set the standard for excellent patient care and ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ support in all settings, and all UK countries.
 A blue background with white text that reads: "Nursing workforce standards: supporting a safe and effective ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ workforce."

What is community ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ in Scotland?

Watch our short film which provides a snapshot of what community ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ is in Scotland – where you’ll find the teams; who they care for; and a few facts and figures.

Community nurse at work

Page last updated - 24/06/2025