Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Bejoy Sebastian

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · 22d

"Recent hostility we’ve witnessed against migrants and anti-immigration rhetoric makes it more important than ever to support and celebrate our diverse membership".

Read @bejoysebastian.bsky.social's monthly blog: bit.ly/4mM1uLS

Quote from RCN President Bejoy Sebastian reads: The NHS and care system has always needed staff from across the world to come to the UK to care for our patients - and as a country we should be celebrating that.

1 9 15

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Sep 8

So much to reflect upon since becoming President of the RCN.

I’m forever proud to represent such a diverse profession who are making a difference every single day.

Do give my latest blog a read 👇

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · Sep 8

Head to RCN President's @bejoysebastian.bsky.social latest blog to read about:

✅ reflections on his time as President so far
✅ celebrating East and South East Asian Heritage month
✅ the importance of valuing nursing

And more: https://bit.ly/3HYLI1N

Quote from Bejoy Sebastian reads: it is so important to celebrate the communities within the UK that make such a vast contribution to the nursing profession.

1

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Aug 8

Last week I got the chance to speak with our members in Plymouth about their pay and other issues they face.

Ensuring members voices are heard in the important conversations is a priority of mine, I wrote about this in light of the results of our pay consultations in my latest blog: bit.ly/47m0k5r

Reposted by Bejoy Sebastian

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · Aug 8

In his monthly update to members, RCN President Bejoy Sebastian thanks every member who voted in our recent pay consultations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

He reflects on the importance of making our voices heard all year round to achieve meaningful change. Read more ➡️ buff.ly/uvtevnf

A picture of Bejoy Sebastian
Quote reads: We are a safety-critical profession, and that is something that has to be at the heart of any negotiations.

3 2

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Jul 8

I will go to any length to reach our members, wherever they are, to take part in pay consultations.

Every member’s vote strengthens our voice – have your say here: www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Involved...

Standing with nursing staff, holding promotional consultation materials

Chatting with two members of nursing staff

2 4

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Jun 18

Pleasure speaking with aspiring students interested in nursing courses at Southwark College yesterday.

To all future nurses: we see you, we hear you, and we need you. Let’s work together to build a system that truly supports you and removes barriers in your way to joining our incredible profession.

Speaking with students at Southwark College

Picture with students at Southwark College

Picture with students and staff at Southwark College

1

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Jun 18

An exciting moment.

Proud to see the launch of the UK’s first comprehensive nursing career frameworks. This is a vital tool for supporting development, retention and ambition at every stage. 👏

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · Jun 18

Just launched: our RCN career frameworks – your guide to career development in nursing.

Whether you're a nursing student or aiming for consultant-level roles, this is your one-stop shop to explore career routes across all UK nations and specialisms.

Read more ⬇️

Nursing career development: RCN frameworks to guide staff across nations and specialisms | News | Royal College of Nursing

The career frameworks set out what skills, knowledge and standards are needed for progression

www.rcn.org.uk

1

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Jun 17

This Care Home Open Week, I want to thank all our members working in care homes who deliver high-quality, person-centred care every single day.

Thank you for everything you do. #CHOW25

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · Jun 16

This week marks Care Home Open Week and we want to thank all our members who deliver complex and compassionate care to residents every day. ❤️ 

Are you a member providing care in nursing homes?

Learn more about our Care Home Network ➡️ bit.ly/39AXiig #CHOW25

Two individuals gardening together during the Care Home Open Week event hosted by the Royal College of Nursing, occurring from June 16-22, 2025. They are smiling and one person is watering plants while the other holds a trowel.

2

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Jun 13

My statement following the tragic loss of life in the Air India crash yesterday.

To all the nurses, families, and communities mourning right now—my heart is with you.

Quote reads: I’m shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives on the Air India Ahmedabad–Gatwick flight.

Quote reads: As a nurse, I feel particularly affected by the loss of one of our own—a dedicated nurse from Portsmouth who tragically lost her life. The bond we share as nurses makes this loss feel deeply personal. We care for others every day, and when one of us is taken too soon, it leaves a heavy ache in our hearts.

1 1 5

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Jun 12

It's so important that every eligible member takes part in our consultation.

If you're on Agenda for Change terms and conditions in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, do you think 3.6% is enough?

Have your say here and spread the word with your colleagues: www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Involved...

2

Reposted by Bejoy Sebastian

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · May 13

Across the UK, UCAS data shows that applications to study nursing have fallen by 34% since 2021.

We can’t afford to lose the next generation of nursing staff – sign our petition to demand governments across the UK do more to improve financial support for nursing students ➡️ buff.ly/7LmGXKM

1 17 17

Reposted by Bejoy Sebastian

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · May 12

Today, Professor Nicola Ranger, our General Secretary and Chief Executive addressed RCN Congress to set out the RCN’s demands of governments across the UK to better support and value the nursing profession. Watch below, and read more. ➡️ bit.ly/42VtuG7

#RCN25

Professor Nicola Ranger address RCN Congress 2025

YouTube video by RCN

youtu.be

5 14

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · May 13

It was an honour to address my first RCN Congress as RCN President, on International Nurses' Day no less.

Really looking forward to meeting many of you over the coming days and hearing from our members as we set the agenda for nursing.

#RCN25 #InternationalNursesDay

RCN President Bejoy Sebastian addresses RCN Congress 2025

YouTube video by RCN

www.youtube.com

5 16

Reposted by Bejoy Sebastian

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · May 12

Our President, @bejoysebastian.bsky.social, gave his first address at the #RCN25 opening ceremony this morning, before celebrating the achievements of members at the RCN Awards.

Read more about the awards and opening ceremony ➡️
bit.ly/43mHmt3

RCN President Bejoy Sebastian addresses RCN Congress 2025

YouTube video by RCN

youtu.be

4 13

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · May 12

Happy #InternationalNursesDay everyone!

I want to join so many others around the world to say thank you to nursing staff everywhere.

I see the immense contribution you make every day, and as RCN President I will work tirelessly to ensure you get the recognition you deserve.

Happy International Nurses' Day, from Professor Nicola Ranger and Bejoy Sebastian

YouTube video by RCN

www.youtube.com

3 16 47

Reposted by Bejoy Sebastian

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · May 11

Nursing staff make the best moments of someone’s life possible, and the worst moments bearable.

Join us in celebrating nursing staff everywhere – watch and share our film, and tell us why you agree nursing is worth fighting for.

#InternationalNursesDay
#NursesDay

rcn.org.uk/nursesday

International Nurses' Day 2025

YouTube video by RCN

www.youtube.com

4 33 69

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · May 3

Incredible visit to Scotland this week. Powerful member voiced voices— from tackling corridor care in Glasgow to the inspiring Purple Butterfly Project in Edinburgh. Proud to see members & RCN staff working together to drive real change. #Band5Review #FairPay #CorridorCare #RCNCongress

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Apr 30

Great to visit Scotland and hear from some of our members about their work ⬇️

RCN Lothian and Borders @rcnlandb.bsky.social · Apr 29

It was a great pleasure for us to host @rcn.org.uk president Bejoy @bejoysebastian.bsky.social in the beautiful capital of Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

It was fantastic to meet up with local members and see the patient-centred and transformative work being done in @nhslothian.bsky.social REH

1 3

Reposted by Bejoy Sebastian

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · Apr 25

“I realised, if I wanted to make a real difference, I needed to go to the core of the RCN into an elected role.”

Get to know your new RCN President, @bejoysebastian.bsky.social, in this RCN Magazine profile ➡️ buff.ly/D4svZgb

Introducing Bejoy Sebastian, newly elected RCN President

YouTube video by RCN

www.youtube.com

2 9

Reposted by Bejoy Sebastian

RCN Northern Ireland @rcnnorthernireland.bsky.social · Apr 23

RCN Northern Ireland was delighted to welcome the RCN President, Bejoy Sebastian, to Belfast today where he met nursing staff at the Mater Hospital in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and heard about some of the great care and treatment in their respiratory wards. @rcn.org.uk

1 6

Reposted by Bejoy Sebastian

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · Apr 14

NEW: Nurses' Day 2025!

Join us on 12 May to celebrate the incredible skill, dedication and impact of nursing.
At RCN Congress, in your workplace, online - be part of it.

#NursesDay
buff.ly/Fb9X8Sz

Promotional graphic for Nurses' Day by the Royal College of Nurses, featuring two individuals smiling and interacting, with text announcing Nurses' Day on May 12.

8 12

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Mar 22

Against all odds, despite all the challenges they experienced, the nursing team at North Middlesex has done a brilliant job, with every layer and level of nursing working together to achieve the best for the patients and communities they serve. Well done Team #NursingBrilliance @rcn.org.uk

1

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Mar 21

It’s truly humbling to be among the best in UK nursing, celebrating the nursing brilliance all across the country.

3

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Mar 21

From welcoming His Majesty The King to RCN HQ, to attending our Joint Reps Conference in Bristol, it was great to reflect on what's been a busy few weeks in my latest blog 👇🏾

Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · Mar 21

In his latest blog, RCN President Bejoy Sebastian reflects on:

✅ a visit from His Majesty The King to RCN HQ
✅ a new RCN report showing recruits are leaving nursing at every stage between applications to university and early career nursing
✅ RCN Joint Reps Conference

And more: buff.ly/7g04Bmw

RCN President Bejoy Sebastian shakes hands with His Majesty King Charles III

1

Bejoy Sebastian @bejoysebastian.bsky.social · Mar 13

Great to be speaking at my first Joint Reps Conference as RCN President and hearing from amazing RCN reps from all over the UK in Bristol today.

Hoping to meet many of our reps today and continue to understand more about the work you do, and what the RCN can do to keep supporting you.

Selfie picture of me with attendees at the RCN Joint Reps Conference sat around a table.

Selfie picture of me with attendees at the RCN Joint Reps Conference stood around a table.

2 9