Maintaining adequate hydration for patients, care home residents and other service users can be challenging – so what can nurses do to ensure those in their care do not become dehydrated?

In the latest episode of the Nursing Standard podcast, NHS South West London regional hydration project manager and registered nurse Charlotte Trumper discusses how to identify and manage dehydration in hospital and care home settings.

She also offers practical tips for supporting patients and residents to consume enough fluids and monitoring their hydration levels.

Follow the Nursing Standard podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nursing staff have seen two major announcements in the past week – a 3.3% pay award for NHS nurses in England and Wales and band 5 role reviews for all nurses in England.

In this week’s episode of the Nursing Standard podcast, RCN general secretary Nicola Ranger talks all things pay, including her message to nursing staff who are calling for demonstrable action by the union on below-inflation pay awards.

In conversation with RCNi senior journalist Shruti Sheth Trivedi she also hints at whether employer-led role reviews are forthcoming for nurses on bands other than 5, and discusses time frames and criteria for the reviews and any resulting salary uplifts.

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A nurse-led female external catheter trial proved hugely successful at one trust by almost eradicating incontinence-related dermatitis on two wards.

In the latest episode of the Nursing Standard podcast, continence nurse Elinor Howcroft discusses what inspired her to start the trial and the positive impact it had on staff and patients.

Ms Howcroft also shares tips and insights into how nurses can roll out similar innovations at their own workplace that can lead to changes in practice and policy.

Follow the Nursing Standard podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the career opportunities in general practice and is it a good place for newly registered nurses to start out?

In this episode of the Nursing Standard podcast, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board lead primary care nurse Frances Baverstock challenges some common misconceptions about working in general practice, and outlines the opportunities and challenges for nurses in this sector at all stages of their careers.

Ms Baverstock is joined by nursing student Ben Jones, who describes how his placement in primary care sparked a passion for general practice nursing.

Follow the Nursing Standard podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you decide when the time is right to step up from band 5 to band 6?

For many nurses, the move to a band 6 role is seen as a natural step within a few years of registering, but it is not for everyone. Moving from band 5 to 6 may mean more money, but it could also mean less flexibility.

The latest episode of the Nursing Standard podcast looks at the differences between a band 5 and a band 6 role, the skills and experience required at band 6, and what to do if you are thinking about making the step up.

Our podcast guest Charlotte Collings, lead nurse for staffing and workforce at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in Harlow, Essex, offers advice on what to consider, including the difference in pay, the impact on your work-life balance and flexible working opportunities, and whether taking a band 6 role will mean less patient contact.

In the episode, Ms Collings explains how to develop your leadership skills in preparation for a band 6 role, why it is so important to have a mentor, and how using your nursing networks can help advance your career.

Follow the Nursing Standard podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is your unsung nursing hero of 2025, that person you work with who has your back and deserves recognition?

In the final Nursing Standard podcast episode of 2025, previous guests including Queen’s Nurse Caron Sanders-Crook and RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Kirsty Cartin tell us who they think should be applauded for the work they have done over the past 12 months.

From the nursing lecturer who is ‘a prime example of what a mental health nurse should be’, to the social care nursing leader who has made ‘a profound difference to the profession’, their nominees have all made the working lives of nurses a little easier.

Follow the Nursing Standard podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nurses’ distrust of senior management comes under the spotlight in this week’s episode of the Nursing Standard podcast, as nursing staff at one London trust reported feeling suspicious of managers making ‘biased’ decisions based on close relationships.

RCNi content editor Alistair Mason and senior journalist Shruti Sheth Trivedi also discuss a medicines management error linked to the death of a patient, as well as the new NHS uniforms.

University of Glasgow senior research associate Simon Walker also joins the podcast to highlight the important issue of suicide among nurses, and how to address it through occupational health.

Follow the Nursing Standard podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest Nursing Standard podcast discusses an NHS trust’s decision to restrict bank shifts, news of a chief nurse being reinstated to her role following suspension, and free tea and coffee being scrapped for one trust’s staff, among other hot topics.

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you write a reflective account for revalidation – and how often should you reflect as a busy nursing professional?

This episode of the Nursing Standard podcast looks at the reflective elements of the NMC’s revalidation requirements, which include writing five such accounts every three years.

Our podcast guest, Queen’s University Belfast senior lecturer Barry Quinn, also argues that reflection is something that should be done on an ongoing basis for its own sake, and when done well, can benefit a nurse’s practice and mental well-being. In the episode, Dr Quinn explains how nurses can work structured reflection into their daily practice, and offers practical tips to help nurses complete their reflective accounts for NMC revalidation.

Follow the Nursing Standard podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast or wherever you get your podcasts.

Use RCNi Portfolio to store and track your reflective accounts and discussions

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Working two full-time jobs: why would a nurse risk their registration?

This week’s episode of the Nursing Standard podcast discusses the case of a nurse who was suspended after secretly working two full-time jobs.

RCNi content editor Alistair Mason and senior journalist Shruti Sheth Trivedi also discuss the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s proposed registration fee rise, and the government’s recommendation that NHS staff on Agenda for Change contracts should get a below-inflation 2.5% pay rise in 2026-27.

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.