Nursing our future

The RCN has recently conducted a survey of its student members. The findings have shown that nursing students are facing difficulties carrying out their studies due to mounting financial pressures. The figures are borne out in the study with nearly three quarters (71%) of those surveyed having been in paid work throughout their nursing studies.

Recruiting and retaining nursing students is vital to the future of health care. Without appropriate funding and support many student nurses are finding it difficult to continue in their studies. The RCN’s survey of over 4500 student nurses from across the UK showed that paid work was negatively impacting on the time they could devote to their studies. 57% of the students surveyed reported that they were working more than ten hours a week in paid employment in addition to their studies and placements in order to make ends meet.

In addition, almost half (44%) of respondents to the survey reported that they had considered leaving their course. Of those who had considered leaving 74% reported that their personal tutor at university was not aware that they were thinking of abandoning their course. Higher education institutions must be better equipped to identify at risk students in order to ensure those students are properly supported through their studies.

Despite the survey being conducted across the UK the issues facing nursing students from each country differ dramatically. England is the only country not to have a non-means tested bursary for degree students.

Get involved

If you are from England please support our call for a non-means tested bursary by completing the online form to write to your Member of Parliament.

In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales the RCN is working on a range of activities to support students to enable them to complete their courses and ensure that students have the opportunity to concentrate on their studies. For more information or to see how you can help please contact the relevant office using the contact details below: