RCN announces new Director of Nursing

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has revealed Professor Nicola Ranger will join the organisation as its new Director of Nursing in December.

The executive director post takes the lead for the professional body and trade union in clinical excellence, education, workforce and patient safety issues. 

Professor Ranger will work alongside the RCN’s governing Council, Professional Nursing Committee, forums and networks to promote and advance the art and science of nursing.

She will also further the strong links between the College and the UK’s chief nursing officers, the Nursing and Midwifery Council regulator and directors of nursing in health and care settings across the four countries of the UK.

Professor Ranger joins the RCN from King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London where she is Chief Nurse and Executive Director of Midwifery.

Before that, she held chief nurse posts at both Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.

She has also held a number of senior nursing roles at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Earlier in her career she worked at America’s George Washington University Hospital in Washington and at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York.

RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Pat Cullen said: “In a distinguished field, Nicola’s passion, commitment and vast expertise shone through.  

“This appointment is crucial to the RCN’s professional work and she will provide the clear leadership for our members in this area.    

“We are at a critical moment for nursing and Nicola will join a dedicated team committed to advancing the profession and to enabling safe and effective patient care.”

Professor Ranger said: “I have been a nurse my whole career and believe passionately in nursing as a profession. 

“I’m really excited to be joining the RCN and look forward to meeting and working with nursing colleagues across the country.”