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Publications

RCN publications cover a wide range of topics varying from clinical guidance to employment relations issues to advice on bullying.

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  • 9 Sep 2026

    Registered Nurse-to-Patient Ratios: A synthesis of current guidance in the UK

    Publication Code : 012 611

    Nursing is a safety critical profession. The work of registered nurses consists of many specialised and complex interventions, interwoven skilful expertise and surveillance. The RCN endorses enforceable minimum registered nurse-to-patient ratios, ensuring staffing levels do not fall to dangerously low levels and helping protect patients and nursing staff from avoidable harm. Across diverse settings, nursing presence and vigilance is critical to the safety of people, the prevention of avoidable harm and the management of risks. This resource makes explicit the information that is available (and not available) on registered nurse-to-patient ratios identified in staffing guidelines for different specialties. Where a ratio has been identified in published guidance, it may be valuable for staff and managers to refer to as part of discussions on what nurse staffing levels should be, in a meaningful way. It accompanies Why Registered Nurse-to-Patient Ratios are Needed: The rationale and evidence base (publication code: 012 610)

  • 9 Sep 2026

    Why Registered Nurse-to-Patient Ratios are Needed: The rationale and evidence base

    Publication Code : 012 610

    The RCN’s commitment to safe staffing has been long-standing and remains a priority. This document sets out an evidence-based argument for using enforceable minimum registered nurse staffing levels (often described as registered nurse-to-patient ratios) to reduce patient safety risks, improve nurse wellbeing, enhance nurse recruitment and retention, and improve the cost efficiency of health and social care service delivery. It accompanies Registered Nurse-to-Patient Ratios: A synthesis of current guidance in the UK (publication code: 012 611).

  • 8 Sep 2026

    Safe Management of Hazardous Medicinal Products in UK Healthcare Settings. A UK Multidisciplinary Consensus Document

    Publication Code : 012 694

    Hazardous medicinal products (HMPs) are used across a wide range of therapeutic areas and health care settings. While these medicines provide important benefits for patients, occupational exposure may present risks to health care workers and others involved throughout the medicine’s lifecycle. The consensus document has been developed through multidisciplinary collaboration and aims to support a more consistent UK approach to the identification, occupational risk assessment and safe management of HMPs.

  • 21 Aug 2026

    Acute Limb Compartment Syndrome Observation Chart

    Publication Code : 012 564

    This updated chart is designed to assist nursing staff in increasing their awareness of the symptoms of acute limb compartment syndrome (ALCS) and the required monitoring where ALCS is suspected.

  • 13 Aug 2026

    RCN Holdco Limited

    Publication Code : 012 298

    This is the RCN Holdco Limited Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2025. Please note: this is a draft version.

  • 7 Aug 2026

    From Recruitment to Reality: Exploitation of internationally educated nursing staff in social care

    Publication Code : 012-651

    This report examines evidence of exploitative employer practices affecting internationally educated nursing staff in adult social care services across the UK. Drawing on three years of RCN member casework, it highlights the pressures these workers face and how immigration policies and a lack of enforcement and oversight within the sector increase their vulnerability to exploitation. Without intervention, continued exploitation risks the safety of workers, the wider workforce, the stability of services, and the wellbeing of those who rely on adult social care.

  • 29 Jul 2026

    Briefing on RCN Priorities for the New Government

    Publication Code : 012 649

    If the new government is to achieve its ambitions for economic growth, stronger public services and higher living standards, it must place nursing at the heart of its agenda. This briefing sets out the actions ministers must prioritise to support the nursing workforce, strengthen health and care services, and help build a healthier, fairer and more productive nation.

  • 2 Jul 2026

    Health and Safety Reps Role Descriptor

    Publication Code : 012 588

    This A4 role descriptor leaflet outlines the role undertaken by RCN health and safety reps.

  • 2 Jul 2026

    Learning Reps Role Descriptor

    Publication Code : 012 589

    This A4 role descriptor leaflet outlines the role undertaken by RCN learning reps.

  • 2 Jul 2026

    Stewards Role Descriptor

    Publication Code : 012 587

    This A4 role descriptor leaflet outlines the role undertaken by RCN stewards.

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