While the nurses of the UK are debating and gyrating in the rain at Bournemouth, some of us observing from afar are asking the question: ‘Is the Royal College of Nursing fit for purpose?’
The somewhat meek acceptance of the latest disappointing pay deal has of course brought criticism from those in the profession who would like to see the RCN standing up to the government and demanding more. But the stance on the pay deal is just one symptom of the identity crisis that dogs the college.
It was tellingly highlighted at a question and answer session last night with the general secretary Peter Carter. One of the delegates asked why he had recently added a second title to his job description – that of chief executive. His reply was essentially that one title was for his union role and one for his work running the college.
This is where the problem lies. The RCN is split between two competing objectives: one to provide leadership and representation on pay and conditions for working nurses; the other to provide professional support and education as an academic body.
Even the way its structured is divided between the politically active branches and educationally led forums.
If you look at the picture in medical representation, the BMA takes the union role, while the colleges handle education. And the Royal Pharmaceutical Society is in the process of dissolution because it cannot reconcile the roles of academic college and professional regulator.
Getting back to the identity crisis…Dr Carter is clearly more at home managing an institution than tub-thumping his way to Downing Street in the style of Beverly Malone. Perhaps the RCN needs both? Or do we need two RCNs?
About Colin Cooper
Colin Cooper is editor-in-chief of Haymarket Medical Media, which publishes Healthcare Republic, GP, Independent Nurse, MIMS, the MIMS Specialist Journals, and Medical Imprint.