Pat Cullen will step down from her role at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in order to stand in the coming election, the RCN announced.

Nicola Ranger, the RCN’s current chief nursing officer and deputy general secretary and chief executive, will take on responsibility as acting RCN general secretary and chief executive in the interim.

Meanwhile, the RCN is seeking applicants for its permanent general secretary and chief executive.

Paul Vaughan, chair of the RCN Council, said: “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.”

Pat Cullen said: “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.”

Pat leaves the RCN after eight years, the last three of which have been spent as general secretary and chief executive.

Nicola Ranger said: “The forthcoming five weeks are an opportunity for the college to advocate for nursing as part of the election campaign.

“We will ensure every party and candidate knows the value of nursing and RCN Congress next week is the ideal opportunity for that.

“Pat’s vision for the return of the RCN Institute of Nursing Excellence will be a lasting legacy as it provides support to many thousands of nursing staff.

“She has progressed the profession in so many ways and we’re thankful for her incredible hard work to advance the cause of the college.”

Meanwhile, Vic Rayner, CEO of National Care Forum, said: “Under Pat Cullen’s leadership it has been very positive to see the RCN highlight the vital role of nurses outside of the health service.

“Tens of thousands of nurses work in social care and her focus on ensuring they are recognised both within the RCN and the wider policy landscape has been incredibly welcome.

“We look forward to working with the new leadership to continue this journey towards parity of esteem for social care nurses when compared to their NHS colleagues, starting with our call for the next government to improve the pay, terms and conditions of the care workforce.”