RCN launches new healthy workplace campaign with online resources

The RCN has launched online resources to help nurses make their workplaces healthier as part of a new campaign. 

The royal college wants healthcare employers to recognise that healthy staff will deliver better care for patients.

The Healthy Workplace, Healthy You campaign is also designed to help nurses seek improvements in working practices from their employers. 

A dedicated section on the RCN website now includes toolkits on subjects such as work-life balance, job design and health and safety. 

They include checklists which employers and staff can use to measure an organisation against healthy workplace indicators. 

These include whether staff can take their breaks; that employers provide adequate notice of changes to shift patterns; that appropriate adjustments for staff with disabilities are made and that there are safe staffing levels. 

There are also worksheets to help nurses assess their own health, such as recording their hydration and exercise.

RCN senior employment relations advisor Kim Sunley said: ‘We are encouraging organisations to improve one area of employment practice and to share examples of good practice with us.   

‘Healthy workplaces are something all staff have an interest in and can help to deliver. By doing so, they improve not only their wellbeing but their ability to care for patients too.’

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