Royal College of Nursing Reviews 

Had a flawless experience using RCN for support with my issues with work and leaving employment. Ceri Dolan is really knowledgeable and made my experience so much smoother. She spoke on my behalf many times and supported me in meetings, also easing my anxiety and worries

Feedback on My Experience with RCN

I have been a member of the RCN for the past five years or more, and unfortunately, my experience with them has consistently been disappointing.

I have contacted the RCN on three separate occasions to ask for help and assistance, but unfortunately, they have failed to support me effectively. After my previous two experiences, I regretted renewing my membership with them. On those occasions, I had hoped that perhaps they were simply reluctant or afraid to challenge the organisation involved. In the end, I sought help from someone at the Professional Standards Authority(I was desperate for help that time), and my issues were resolved within a few days.

Despite those experiences, I still gave the RCN another chance and decided to remain a member of the union.

Unfortunately, on this third occasion, I contacted them again for assistance with a completely different issue. Although my expectations were already quite low because of my previous experiences, I was once again disappointed. It seems that they are unwilling or reluctant to challenge the organisation involved and properly represent my interests as a member.

At this point, I am seriously considering joining another union because it feels as though the RCN is all talk but provides very little practical support or output for its members.

A few years ago, I thought very highly of the RCN and genuinely believed in the support they could provide to their members. However, after several disappointing experiences over the past few years, I feel that I have given them more than enough chances to prove themselves.

I have also shared my experiences with my colleagues and friends so that they can make informed decisions about whether remaining with the RCN is the right choice for them or whether they should consider transferring to another union.

My experience with the RCN has been extremely disappointing. When I needed support, I felt that they failed to provide the help and representation I expected from them.Don’t pay them a penny they are scam

If there was any option of 0 star I’d have given because this is worst union ever . They dont do anything instead of getting paif

I dont know why I pay the RCN.. when I needed someone to support me during a clinic restructure and working hours review.. I had one email back to say they would happily attended.. then nothing, emails were not being responded to. There was no phone number to contact on.. and dont get me started on nurses pay.. its the most pointless union.. who takes questionnaires from nurse and still no change.

Awful union. No one knows what to do so they make their own rules up. I have never been able to access any help. They do not want to take cases on because that means they’d have to actually do work. They know management at the local hospital so guess who comes up trumps in anything and everything! The NHS is well known for their management ‘buddy system’ meaning managers back managers no matter what has happened and sod the rest of the staff but it appears that the rcn also have this system. This union does not stand up for or support regular nurses. The most unhelpful, rude, and just plain discriminatory against regular nurses over manager nurses. This union does not accept or respect disabilities so literally say they can’t help. What is the point in a union who takes money off nurses but doesn’t allow anyone to access help they thought they were paying for. Appalling and awful staff. If you want more nurses, you need to start protecting and supporting them. What a completely pointless union to join. Do not bother with them!

This is BS. You will not get the support you need. I have to call them to report and report and report but in the end they will just say "we cannot support you". total bullcrap!

Widely reported in UK media that this union failed to support nurse Sandie Peggie in her case against NHS Fife Scotland.
She is suing them

I have been deeply disappointed with the support I received from the RCN. Their approach has lacked both insight and compassion, particularly in relation to an unfair referral to the NMC. Throughout this difficult process, the RCN appeared to side with the Trust in question rather than advocate for me as their member.

Unlike UNISON, who have been proactive and understanding; especially when dealing with race-induced trauma; the RCN’s handling of my case has left me feeling isolated and unsupported. I even missed an NMC hearing, which was later raised as a concern against me, yet the RCN did nothing to challenge this on my behalf.

Instead, I kept receiving reminders that I was “still under investigation” - 13 months later, with no meaningful progress or empathy. This experience has eroded my trust completely, and I will be reviewing my membership.

People working in support roles must remember to put themselves in the shoes of those they are paid to help. For many of us, these experiences have real, lasting consequences ; and it’s a precarious world to navigate without genuine advocacy.

The RCN didn't provided a good service they fully supported the NHS and wouldn't challenge them. From my prospective they appeared to cover up false information in reports about me.

Takes forever to get through to an operator via phone. I’ve been passed on to different operators and no one was willing to help resolve my query. I’ve been debited £50.46 all in one day with no proper letter or information. I am very disappointed as I don’t feel supported and feel like my money goes to waste.

Rcn is a scam..... dont give them a penny

This outfit are a bunch of hypocrites.

Today 11 August 2025 in ‘Metro.co.uk,’ referencing a nurse who was attacked at work the Royal College of Nursing says, “More needs to be done to protect NHS staff,” as nurses say they no longer feel safe treating patients in A&E.

Yet when it comes to protecting one of their own, a nurse who was called racist names and suffered an attempted assault. They have washed their hands like Pontus Pilate.

THEY ARE COMPLETELY HYPOCRITICAL.

I have sent them an email pointing this out, but I’m not holding my breath for a reply.

My daughter was in hospital and the service she got was atrocious if nurses want more money make sure they work for it. Not say you will have to wait for jug of water hour later or go to toilet. Everyone stressed when their stood at nurses station laughing and joking for 20minutes no wonder hospitals have bad feedback because of staff.

PPP: p##S poor performance.

PAY: Fail to push for better pay where the BMA for doctor's were very successful. Fail to co-ordinate with other unions.

INDEMNITY: Fail to support you, they have a very high record of members losing their registration and job when compared to indemnity that protects doctors. Better to use an indemnity insurance that are well regarded. If you are an ACP, try MDDUS.

EMPLOYMENT DISPUTES: Advice is always to escalate with the most extreme tactics with the aim to shock employers with formal meetings and in-person RCN representation. (p.s they cant promise to attend your meeting, leaving you alone after requesting a formal investigation/meeting). They fail to advise members to resolve issues with simple or less aggressive techniques that would be more appropriate to certain situations.

AVAILABILITY. You maybe waiting a very very long time on the phone to speak to the operator and may never receive follow up emails from advisors.

SUMMARY: Not worth the money they are paid

My (ex) company had bullying, lying, belittling and harassment ongoing. After whistle blowing, I had unrelated allegations put agains me.
RCN had no advice regarding the bullying and whistleblowing. After complaining about the lack of support, I was given minimal assistance.
I have repeatedly requested LEGAL advice, repeatedly refused by RCN.
If you work for the nhs, RCN is great. If you work for a private healthcare, you're wasting your time and trust.

Review of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN)

Dear nurses across the UK,

Please be cautious about who you choose to represent you, especially during these challenging times of staff shortages. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), which is meant to advocate for our rights and working conditions, has repeatedly failed to provide the support we desperately need.

Many members have found that when seeking representation, RCN does not take the time to properly understand individual cases. Instead of offering informed guidance, they often leave nurses feeling lost, misled, and unsupported. At a time when our profession is under immense pressure, we need a union that listens, fights for us effectively, and prioritizes our needs.

If you are a member, consider whether your interests are truly being represented. If you are looking for support, be aware that the RCN may not always have the time or dedication to handle your case properly. The nursing profession deserves better advocacy and leadership, particularly during this critical period.
Stay informed and make the best choice for your career and well-being.
Kind regards,
Ana-Maria

It takes up to an hour to get through to anyone on the phone. I has told on Friday then again on Monday that a steward would be in touch to discuss a new case. I am still waiting at 11am on a Monday. Now I have to go to work. I really don't know who to turn to now as I feel so let down by my colleagues who really should know better. As soon as this case is done, I am leaving.

I am a bank nurse we are always asked to vote for a salary increase together with substantive staff.
But when the substantive staff receives their increases we are left out.

I’m telling all the bank nurses don’t waste your votes as we are used as Guinea pigs.

The RCN also failed to solve my pension problem.

Very incompetent