Sandra James, who represents almost 400,000 nurses and healthcare assistants across the UK, will serve a further two-year term.
She has been a committed RCN activist for the last 30 years and chair of council since 2005.
She said: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to carry on as chair of the RCN Council. I look forward to working with the committed individuals that form the council to continue to help shape the direction of nursing on behalf of our members.'
Gerry Bolger will be vice chair of council, Stacey Hunter honorary treasurer, Andrea Spyropoulos chair of nursing practice and policy committee and Jenny Booth chair of governance support committee.
