‘We need to get this right’: what nursing students deserve

On the one hand, there’s the debt, overwhelm, and employment uncertainty; on the other, the opportunity to change lives, provide care in diverse environments, and do genuinely rewarding work. While the challenges of nursing can be very real, so is the impact.

Meanwhile, governments across the UK have ambitious plans for improving health and social care – but we all know these won’t come to fruition without the nursing profession – and a strong, resilient and supported workforce. 

Nurses are needed, otherwise people suffer

And as Will Malcher, our professional lead for students, says: “For nursing to succeed we need to get it right for every single nursing student from day one and ensure they are getting the support they not only need, but deserve.”

As the RCN's UK Professional Lead for Students, Will is responsible for advocating for, empowering, and representing student nurses across the UK. His role involves a mix of leadership, strategic engagement, and direct student advocacy.

Prior to working for the RCN, Will, an experienced senior nurse, was awarded the prestigious Florence Nightingale Award for his work on COVID-19.

Will’s passion for championing nursing students started when he himself was a student member of the RCN. He went on to become an RCN steward and learning rep at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, and now in his current role is on a mission to make sure he’s amplifying the student voice where it matters most.

What are the RCN’s key priorities to help make nursing fit for the future? And how can the RCN support you as a nursing student?

Will answers some important questions about what the RCN wants for nursing students.

Do these priorities apply UK-wide?

Absolutely. Each country may have different routes to change, but our aims and intentions are the same across the UK.

Which ask is most important?

Let’s be honest, they’re all important.

But the change that would have the most systemic impact across all areas of nurse education and early employment is number 3 – a planned workforce that can guarantee jobs for talented nursing students.

This is pivotal because all the others feed into it. Without a job at the end of it there is little point on us focusing on financial support or top-quality education.

We need to get it right for every single nursing student

The fact is all students deserve better from their current governments. Not only do they give thousands of hours of their time working in clinical settings and supporting patients, but before long they’ll be degree-educated, highly valuable nurses ready and waiting to go into important nursing roles.

The fact that many recent graduates face delays in finding permanent roles after graduation is frankly absurd.

With other degrees it’s quite normal to take some time to find a job but let’s be clear: nursing is not a competitive market. Nurses are needed, otherwise people suffer. It’s as simple as that.

The RCN UK Students Committee, which represents students across the UK, recently wrote to NHS England and the Chief Nursing Officer for England Duncan Burton calling for improvements to nursing recruitment practice. 

We believe an urgent plan from health leaders and the Westminster government is needed to ensure this year’s nursing graduates don’t face unemployment.  

What about the recent cuts to nursing courses?

It’s extremely concerning. If there aren’t enough nurses, patients will ultimately suffer and when we say patients, we’re also talking about you and me, and our families and friends.

In the last few years, several UK universities have announced reductions to or closures of nursing courses. And some have opened consultations on doing so, too.

As a College, we want to see governments across the UK getting behind nurse education and the universities that provide it. And this needs to happen now.

What changes do you see helping with the financial aspect of being a nursing student?

Our recent survey shows that 93% of students are concerned about finances, with 60% of those concerned cutting back on food and essential bills to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. This is not OK.

We’re calling for a package of measures to protect nursing students across the UK.

This includes uplifted maintenance grants, on top of existing support that should rise with inflation each year, as well as upfront grants to cover additional costs unique to nursing degrees, such as travelling to clinical placements.

In England, we’ve recently helped secure a big win for nursing students to help them with their placements. Find out more.

We think all nursing students need an additional £5,000 per calendar year. This amount should not be a loan, must be available universally, and should rise each year in line with inflation. We will continue to lobby for this.

While adequate funding isn’t in place, please know there is financial support available. Find further details and get support.

We are here to support you. That is the core of what we do at the RCN

Why are these RCN priorities so important?

Let’s be real: at the end of the day, who is there from birth to death? I can guarantee there’s a nurse. The public need nursing staff, and nursing staff need the public. 

• Read next: An ‘explosion’ in nurse lecturer cuts risks nursing jobs and patient safety

Investment, resources, as well as proper care and attention in all these areas, are vital to protect everyone and ensure nursing staff can do their jobs safely and effectively.

What's the RCN doing now?

We’re committed to continue raising awareness of the true cost of studying nursing and the pressures facing nursing education.

Alongside these, we'll keep highlighting the employment challenges facing newly registered nurses, and the need for improved starting salaries and clearer career progression. 

We’ll also continue to raise awareness of the need for high-quality preceptorship and protected development time for newly registered nursing staff.

It’s important to us that we help support members to be able to campaign for the changes they need.

Any advice for students who may be struggling? 

Hang on in there, without sounding too clichéd, the sun always rises tomorrow.

In all seriousness – I hear you. If you’re struggling, I see you. I understand how you feel – I’ve been there and we'll do all we can to make things better. We're here to support you.

That is the core of what we do at the RCN – you are the future of nursing, and everyone is working with the same goal.

Yes, there are challenges and it’s not going to easy, but we won’t stop trying to improve things.

There isn’t a member of the nursing workforce who doesn’t face barriers. It shouldn’t be that way, but it is.

So please do get support from avenues that you can use, or even speak up about the issues you're facing with colleagues, mentors, the RCN and others. At the end of the day nursing is a community, and we all support one another. 

I understand how you feel, I’ve been there

Nursing is still one of the best professions where there is the chance to grow in a career for life. And as nursing staff, we have some really good times, too.

While I can’t stand here in my position and say we can magic all the problems away, I can say: I promise I am behind you. And I will continue to lobby, challenge and work for what you deserve.

• Read next: University of Nottingham nursing course cuts 'could cost lives'

Do make sure to check out our careers resources where you’ll find information to support you to get into the best position to find your permanent role within nursing.

You’ll also find resources on writing your first CV or job application and tips to stand out at interview, as well as a number of useful careers videos. 

What can you do as an RCN member?

We need you to help us make these priorities a reality.

You can find out what action you can take based on which country you’re in.

Being active really does help bring about change. Nursing students from across the UK came together at RCN Congress to express their frustration that it is so difficult to find first registered nurse posts. And this sort of action and drive has a direct impact on what we prioritise as a College.

Most importantly, raising the issue and speaking up in this way helps make change in a much wider context.