If you're based elsewhere, you can contact us directly for advice and support by emailing our Scotland and Wales offices.

To [Name of Trust or ICB Representative]

[Trust/ICB]

[Address]

[City, Postcode]

Dear [Enter name of Chief Executive and Chief Nursing Officer],

Re: Urgent concerns regarding employment opportunities for Newly Registered or soon to be Newly Registered Nurses

I am writing as a final-year student nurse approaching qualification at [HEI]. I and my fellow student nurses are concerned about the shortage of employment opportunities for Newly Registered Nurses (NRNs), including within [Insert name of Trust or ICB]. 

We saw a similar issue impact students last year, and it is clear the problem is persisting. 

I would be grateful if you could provide responses to the following questions:

• How many Band 5 roles are (or will be) available between now and the end of the year?
• What assurance can you give that job descriptions and role requirements will not exclude me from applying, for example due to criteria such as post graduate experience, a completed preceptorship, or additional qualifications?

The lack of suitable Band 5 roles for NRNs is becoming a significant barrier to entering the workforce when services continue to report high vacancies and sustained staffing pressures. At the same time, recruitment freezes and gaps in workforce planning are further limiting opportunities for NRNs to transition into permanent posts. 

Many of us have already raised these issues with politicians, unions, and professional bodies, but I look forward to hearing how (Insert name of Trust or ICB) will be addressing this locally. The RCN will also continue to raise concerns with government and the NHS England, both regionally and nationally, as well as collate evidence of NRN job shortages.

We are ready to work. Please help me find a registered nurse role within your workforce.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Student Nurse, [Your University Name]

To [Name of Trust or Employer Representative]

[Trust/Employer]

[Address]

[City, Postcode]

Dear [Enter name of Chief Executive and Chief Nursing Officer],

Re: Urgent concerns regarding employment opportunities for Newly Registered or soon to be Newly Registered Nurses

I am writing as a final-year student nurse approaching qualification at [HEI]. I and my fellow student nurses are concerned about the shortage of employment opportunities for Newly Registered Nurses (NRNs), including within [Insert name of Trust or Employer].

We saw a similar issue impact students last year, and it is clear the problem is persisting.
 
I would be grateful if you could provide responses to the following questions:

• How many Band 5 roles are (or will be) available between now and the end of the year?
• What assurance can you give that job descriptions and role requirements will not exclude me from applying, for example due to criteria such as post graduate experience, a completed preceptorship, or additional qualifications?

The lack of suitable Band 5 roles for NRNs is becoming a significant barrier to entering the workforce when services continue to report high vacancies and sustained staffing pressures. At the same time, recruitment freezes and gaps in workforce planning are further limiting opportunities for NRNs to transition into permanent posts.

Many of us have already raised these issues with politicians, unions, and professional bodies, but I look forward to hearing how [Insert name of Trust or Employer] will be addressing this locally. The RCN will also continue to raise concerns with government and the Department of Health (DoH), both regionally and nationally, as well as collate evidence of NRN job shortages.

We are ready to work. Please help me find a registered nurse role within your workforce.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Student Nurse, [Your University Name]