On the eve of the general election, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is calling on the next government to ensure the success of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, as a new survey suggests that almost half of England’s nursing students are considering quitting before their course is complete.
The RCN also says that there has been a “collapse” in the number of people taking up nursing degree apprenticeships, with a 20% drop over the last two academic years.
According to the royal college, the main reasons for quitting are:
- financial difficulties;
- a lack of teaching and supervision; and
- mental health issues.
Students also reportedly told the RCN that the best way to keep them in the nursing pipeline is to increase financial support so it reflects the elevated cost of living, improve academic support, and review starting salaries for graduates.
With this in mind, the RCN is calling for the next government to introduce universal maintenance support for nursing students, as well as the reintroduction of government-funded nursing degrees.
“Government-funded nurse education, proper maintenance support and loan forgiveness for those working in the NHS would be money well spent,” said Professor Nicola Ranger, CEO at the RCN.
“Building a nursing workforce fit for the future is the best investment a government can make, benefiting our vital services and wider society.”
Evidence of the foreboding workforce crisis comes just after RCN research indicated that only a third of shifts are being properly staffed with registered nurses, causing significant patient safety concerns.
The organisation called for emergency measures to be implemented earlier this year after UCAS figures revealed that there had been a sharp decline in the amount of nursing applicants for the upcoming academic year.
“For the Long Term Workforce Plan to get back on track, we need urgent action,” added Prof Ranger.
"The retention and recruitment of nursing staff will be key to driving down NHS waiting times and getting health and care services back on their feet.”
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