So, I've just started as a student nurse. I know we have a few nurses on here, so should I join the RCN or Unison? I seem to be advised to do so, but I don't really see what the benefits are while I'm a student.

yes yes yes yes. Either will do and they both do pretty ok rates for students, although I think rcn is more once ou qualify.

I dont think TJ would recommend it and Id have to agree with him.

I joined Unison as a student nurse. Kept me in diaries and lanyards.

But on a serious note, yes.

I dont think TJ would recommend it

IIRC, TJ has been a rep – and encountered both the good & the bad.

LOL @ stoner.

The main advantages are representation and insurance come with your membership

Unison – its more of a generalist union but does have a lot of healthcare expertise. Quite honestly there are some of the "old school" red robbo types lurking within the organisation but also a lot of good professional people

RCN – can't decide if it wants to be a trade union or not. Very "conservative" (small "c") Has the ear of government but it rather a toothless poodle. Specialist advice is second to none.

I'm a unison member.

You need to be in some kind of union as a nurse, whether RCN or Unison, and you may as well start now. I'm in the RCN, just because it seemed the most obvious choice all those millions of years ago, but I agree wholeheartedly with TJ regarding the toothless conservatism.

Basically it's about having someone to turn to should you be involved in any situation where you need impartial advice of a legal or professional nature; basically if you mess up you need representation.

Ok, thats pretty strongly in favour of joining a union then. I'll get applying, probably to Unison.