RCN’s acting chief executive appointed on permanent basis
Professor Nicola Ranger has been appointed as permanent general secretary and chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), it has been announced.
She had been carrying out the leadership role on an acting basis since May, but the RCN said today that she will now take on the role substantively.
“There is an opportunity right now, not just for renewal but to make huge progress and strides forward for nursing and the people we care for”
Nicola Ranger
Professor Ranger first joined the RCN as director of nursing in December 2022, before her role changed to chief nursing officer.
She had come from King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust where she had been chief nurse and executive director of midwifery since July 2019.
Prior to that she was chief nursing and patient safety officer at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust for two years, and director of nursing at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust for over four years.
Earlier in her career, she worked at America’s George Washington University Hospital in Washington and at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York.
Speaking on her appointment, Professor Ranger said: “To be asked to take on this role, on behalf of my profession, is a great honour and immense privilege.
“There is an opportunity right now, not just for renewal but to make huge progress and strides forward for nursing and the people we care for.”
Professor Ranger noted that the new leadership in Westminster, the nursing regulator and parts of the NHS, as well as the RCN, would give “fresh energy and new perspectives” on how to work together in the interests of the profession and patients.
She added: “I firmly believe that nursing is the best profession and every nurse and support worker carries a great responsibility and honour when doing what we do.
“I will work tirelessly to build upon the great history of the Royal College of Nursing, to demonstrate its value to every nursing professional – covering every role, setting, workplace and country – and make an undeniable case for investment in nursing as the best way to transform services and improve outcomes.”
Professor Ranger recently became acting general secretary and chief executive when Pat Cullen stepped down to stand in the general election.
It was announced last week that Ms Cullen was elected as the Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone.
Chair of the RCN Council, Paul Vaughan, congratulated Professor Ranger on her appointment.
He said: “Nicola has unparalleled experience as a nurse leader, and she enjoys the strongest reputation in our profession.
“She will relish the chance to deliver for all parts of our membership; work with RCN members, employers, systems and ministers across the UK; and make an immediate impact with the new Westminster government.”
