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. Is this conducive to an effective representative body for nurses? More here...

Perhaps we should have 2 different bodies, the RCN taking on the academic role and setting up a completely new body to act as the 'political' voice of nursing.  However how would this be funded?  Presently the RCN subscription is now over £22 per month; bearing in mind the cost of fitness to practice cases, salaries for officials, etc. I doubt if nurses would want to have to increase this amount any further. Some might even say we do not get value for money as it is.