RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive steps down
Professor Pat Cullen has stepped down from her role as the General Secretary and Chief Executive for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to seek election to parliament in the forthcoming general election.
Professor Nicola Ranger, the RCN’s current Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy General Secretary and Chief Executive, will take on responsibility as Acting RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive in the interim.
Meanwhile, the RCN is seeking applicants for its permanent General Secretary and Chief Executive.
Paul Vaughan, Chair of RCN Council, said: “Pat has been a tremendous leader for our profession and put the College on a journey to a brighter future.
“She has been fearless in rooting out longstanding cultural issues internally and speaking truth to power in the health service and politics alike.”
Professor Pat Cullen said: “This was the hardest decision to make, and we have achieved so much in three very different and difficult years.
“I hope my legacy here will be to have helped the nursing profession use its voice and campaign for change, for ourselves and patients. I owe RCN members a debt of gratitude.”
Pat leaves the RCN after eight years, the last three of which have been spent as General Secretary and Chief Executive.
In that time, she has been a brave champion for the nursing profession, leading historic strike action whilst navigating complex historic cultural issues with integrity.
Her bold decision-making and pursuit of pay justice has resulted in huge membership growth, bolstering the RCN’s reputation and power as a force for good.
Professor Nicola Ranger said: “The forthcoming five weeks are an opportunity for the College to advocate for nursing as part of the election campaign.
“We will ensure every party and candidate knows the value of nursing and RCN Congress next week is the ideal opportunity for that.”
She added: “Pat’s vision for the return of the RCN Institute of Nursing Excellence will be a lasting legacy as it provides support to many thousands of nursing staff.
“She has progressed the profession in so many ways and we’re thankful for her incredible hard work to advance the cause of the College.”