How I joined the Royal College of Nursing board

Adult Nursing graduate, Mufarowashe Joshua Mangwiro, has recently joined the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) West Midlands board. He tells us about his experience applying, why the role is important and any advice for students looking for similar opportunities.

Why did you apply to be a member of the board?

Nursing is more than a profession—it’s a calling. I applied for the RCN West Midlands board because I wanted to be part of shaping the future of nursing, ensuring that our voices as frontline workers are heard and that meaningful change happens where it matters most. 

Having worked in various clinical settings and seeing the challenges nurses face daily, I felt a strong responsibility to advocate for my colleagues and the profession as a whole. I wanted to contribute to conversations about safe staffing, working conditions, and professional development—things that directly impact both nurses and patient care.

Beyond that, I wanted to represent and inspire student and newly qualified nurses. We are the future of healthcare, and it’s crucial that we have a seat at the table where decisions are made. 

How did you apply/campaign?

Running for the board was an exciting and slightly nerve-wracking experience! The application process required me to demonstrate why I was the right person for the role— this meant highlighting my experiences in nursing, leadership, and advocacy.

When it came to campaigning, I knew I had to be proactive. I designed posters, launched a campaign website and reached out to my peers and colleagues. I also used social media and University networks to spread the word. I was fortunate to have the support of incredible lecturers and students who believed in my vision and encouraged others to vote for me.

One of the most rewarding aspects was engaging in discussions with fellow nurses and students about what they wanted to see in the profession. It reinforced why I was running in the first place—to listen, represent and push for positive change. 

What are your responsibilities/duties as a board member?

As a board member, my role involves:

• Advocating for nurses at all levels, from students to senior professionals, ensuring that their concerns and voices are heard.
• Contributing to policy discussions that shape the future of nursing in the West Midlands.
• Engaging with RCN members, listening to their experiences, and bringing their perspectives to the board.
• Supporting initiatives that improve working conditions, professional development, and patient care.
• Attending RCN meetings, regional events, and conferences to represent the interests of the nursing workforce.

It’s a huge responsibility, but one that I take with great pride and enthusiasm.

How has your course helped you with running for and becoming a board member?

Nursing isn’t just about clinical skills—it’s about leadership, advocacy, and communication, all of which are essential qualities for a board member.

My course gave me first-hand experience of the challenges nurses face, from staffing pressures to patient safety concerns. This knowledge allows me to advocate effectively for real issues that affect healthcare workers.As a course representative, I developed public speaking, negotiation, and problem-solving skills—all of which were crucial during my campaign and now as a board member.

The placements I completed across emergency medicine, hepatology, respiratory and rehabilitation helped me understand different areas of nursing and the systemic challenges we face.

Above all, my course gave me confidence—the confidence to speak up, to challenge the status quo, and to believe that I could make a difference.

What advice would you give to students wanting to participate in similar opportunities? 

Go for it. You don’t need to have years of experience to make a difference—what matters is your passion, drive and willingness to learn. My main tips are:

• Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward: whether it’s for a leadership role, a student representative position, or an external opportunity. The worst that can happen is that you gain experience and meet amazing people along the way. 
• Engage with your peers and colleagues: find out what matters to them and be their voice.
• Use your strengths: whether it’s public speaking, writing, or networking, leverage what you’re good at to make an impact.
• Ask for support: your lecturers, mentors, and colleagues are there to help. I wouldn’t have won my election without the encouragement of people who believed in me.
• Remember why you started: advocacy and leadership aren’t always easy, but when you remind yourself of the reason you stepped up, it makes it all worthwhile.

Above all, believe in yourself! The nursing profession needs passionate, driven individuals who are willing to challenge and shape the future. You could be one of them.