Professor Pat Cullen Steps Down from RCN to Pursue Political Career
Professor Pat Cullen, the chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), has announced her early departure from the role to pursue a political career. The Northern Irish national is seeking nomination to stand for Sinn Féin in the Fermanagh South Tyrone consistency in the upcoming general election.
Having been in the position since April 2021, first in an acting capacity and then interim, Professor Cullen was due to depart at the end of this year. The RCN had already begun the recruitment process for a new permanent chief executive and general secretary, with applications still being accepted. In the meantime, Professor Nicola Ranger, the RCN’s current chief nursing officer and deputy general secretary and chief executive, will step into the top role in an acting capacity.
Reflecting on her time at the RCN, Professor Cullen stated, “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.”
During her tenure, Professor Cullen oversaw UK-wide nursing strikes, the nursing response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and a call for a separate pay spine for nurses. The internal culture and governance of the RCN also came under scrutiny, particularly in the 2022 report by Bruce Carr KC, which highlighted concerns about misogyny and racism within the college. Professor Cullen pledged to overhaul the organization in response to the findings.
Paul Vaughan, chair of RCN Council, praised Professor Cullen’s leadership, stating, “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.”
As Professor Cullen transitions to a new chapter in her career, the RCN will continue its search for a new leader to guide the organization forward.
