Commenting on the announcement made by the First Minister to increases in the Scottish Government bursary for nursing and midwifery students, Theresa Fyffe, Director of RCN Scotland, said:
“The RCN has been fighting for fairer funding for student nurses and midwives. The Scottish Government has listened to those calls and has responded with a bursary which will truly support students whilst they study.
“The increased bursary is an important step in valuing those who choose to nurse and in making nursing an attractive career.
“All of the nursing students who will benefit from this new bursary will enter the profession with one aim – to provide safe, high quality care for each and every one of their patients. To make that a reality, the RCN will continue to work with the Scottish Government on staffing challenges so that nurses feel valued and listened to throughout their career. Today’s announcement is a clear and welcome indication from the Scottish Government that they are listening to the needs of nursing.”