Passionate in pink

Unsafe staffing levels, a lack of mentors and concerns over the student bursary were just a few of the key issues discussed at Students’ Day yesterday. In a separate debating session held to thrash out the challenges affecting the future of the profession, a shocking number of delegates put up their hands to say they had to ‘make up the numbers’ while on placement. Some confessed to feeling unsafe when ‘acting up’ and expressed fear that patient safety was under threat on their shift.

Meanwhile in the main hall a resolution proposed by the RCN Students Committee got passed with an overwhelming majority of the vote. It called on Council to lobby for appropriate quality placements leading to a guaranteed job with preceptorship upon registration. Proposer Jane Parker said: “The training of nurses represents a significant investment both by the state and the student. In these cash-strapped times we need to make sure this investment reaps the maximum return.”

But the day wasn’t all about cutbacks and facing adversity. More students than ever before arrived at Congress to make the most of the exceptional learning on offer.

Newcomer to Congress Simon Pannell said: “It’s been great to meet so many other nursing students. I’ve gained an insight into the real issues surrounding nursing and it’s been an excellent learning experience. It’s a morale boost and there’s a unity here that’s nice to see.”