Calls for Reform Grow as Student Nurses Battle Financial and Employment Challenges

Nursing Students Forced to Sleep in Cars and Rely on Food Banks Due to Financial Strains

The financial difficulties faced by student nurses have become a growing concern, with reports highlighting that many are struggling due to inadequate financial support. Some have even resorted to sleeping in their cars or relying on food banks, underscoring the severity of the situation across the country.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has expressed deep alarm over the “devastating” impact of financial hardship on nursing students and recent graduates. Alongside financial insecurity, many newly qualified nurses are also struggling to find employment, further worsening their difficulties. As a result, these concerns have been raised with the government, urging officials to take necessary action to ensure nursing education remains financially viable.

Adding to the growing concerns, the RCN has formally written to Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, calling for enhanced financial support for student nurses. RCN Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger has been vocal about the issue, criticising the current system for leaving nursing students in debt, poverty, and uncertainty regarding job prospects—despite the ongoing workforce shortages. She described these conditions as disgraceful and warned that they could have serious consequences for patient care.

Among those affected is Jess Dodds, a student nurse from the West Midlands, who faced homelessness during her first year at university. She slept in her car for a week to attend classes and avoided telling her family to prevent causing them worry. Dodds has shared that she felt ashamed and embarrassed about her situation, often going without food or seeking low-cost meals. She spent nights in campus car parks or industrial areas, fearing being noticed or approached by police, and relied on university or gym facilities to freshen up before classes. Limited internet access also impacted her academic performance, making it difficult to keep up with coursework.

The 2017 government reforms that removed maintenance grants for student nurses have contributed significantly to these challenges. Previously, students could receive up to £16,454 annually to cover living costs, but the withdrawal of this financial aid has led to a decline in nursing course applications, from 45,090 in January 2017 to 31,100 in January 2024. Dodds has expressed disappointment in the system, stating that the loss of the bursary hindered her ability to secure housing, forcing her to save for a deposit while experiencing homelessness.

In addition, the RCN has reported that some student nurses are now relying on food banks, with lecturers personally providing food and financial assistance. Annette Davies, a nurse and lecturer, has revealed that she has had to direct students to food banks, describing this as an inappropriate burden on academic staff. She also shared an incident where a colleague had to buy food for a student with a child at home, further illustrating the severity of the situation.

These concerns come one year after Health Secretary Wes Streeting resolved a pay dispute with nurses, yet there are growing warnings of potential further industrial action over wages this year. The RCN has pointed to a 35% drop in nursing course applications since 2021 and reported, through a survey, that 70% of student nurses are considering leaving their courses due to financial pressures.

Beyond financial difficulties, the RCN has also raised concerns that newly qualified nurses are struggling to find employment, as the NHS attempts to reduce its reliance on agency staff. In response, a government spokesperson has described these reports as shocking and deeply saddening, calling them a shameful reflection of the current state of the NHS and the immense pressure facing its workforce. If these financial and employment challenges remain unresolved, the future of nursing education and workforce sustainability will continue to face serious risks.

Editor’s Note:

The financial difficulties faced by student nurses highlight a pressing issue within the healthcare sector, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of nursing education. Reports of students experiencing homelessness, relying on food banks, and struggling to secure employment after graduation are deeply alarming. The withdrawal of maintenance grants in 2017, which previously provided crucial financial support, has contributed to a decline in nursing course applications. With workforce shortages already affecting healthcare services, the inability to retain and support future nurses could pose long-term risks to patient care and the sector's stability. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring that aspiring nurses can pursue their education without facing undue hardship. The Royal College of Nursing’s call for improved financial support reflects the urgent need for intervention. While efforts to resolve pay disputes have been made, the broader issue of affordability in nursing education remains largely unaddressed.

Skoobuzz asserts that as newly qualified nurses find it increasingly difficult to secure employment, the government's role in supporting both students and graduates becomes even more critical. Institutions must prioritise accessible funding, and policymakers must recognise the importance of investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals. A sustainable approach is vital to preventing further declines in applications and ensuring that nursing remains an attractive and viable career path.