Nursing students will learn how they can work with MPs to promote the nursing profession in a new training session organised by the RCN.
Members of the RCN’s student committee and student information officers – the RCN’s representatives in universities – will learn their way around the UK parliament and the government from the UK Parliament Outreach and Engagement Service.
The session is designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge they can use to develop a good relationship with their local MP.
The RCN’s public affairs team will talk through the college’s approach to engaging with parliamentarians, especially the crucial role members can play. The team will explain different tactics and approaches students can take as well as what they can ask MPs to do to show their support for nursing staff in their constituencies.
Janet Davies, chief executive and general secretary of the RCN, said: “To work effectively, any union must be able to engage MPs and ministers.
“We know our members make the most powerful advocates for the profession. When frontline nursing staff sit in front of parliamentarians, you can see they listen.
“It’s through the hard work of members that vital issues such as safe staffing, harassment and health policy reach the top of the agenda.
“When nursing faces challenges on every front, the RCN wants to make sure our advocates are fully-equipped.”
Charlotte Hall, chair of the students’ committee, said: “Student nurses represent the future of the profession. Learning to engage with MPs is vital if we are to effectively shape that future and ensure the best possible care for patients.
“With these skills, committee members and student reps will be able to help other nurses make their voices heard on behalf of the profession and patients.”