A poll of Royal College of Nursing (RCN) student members found that the recent decision to deny NHS staff a small cost of living increase has left the country’s future nurses feeling anxious about their finances, and underappreciated by the Government.
The survey revealed that 64% of student nurses are considering a nursing career abroad; 53% said the Government’s pay decision made them think twice about a career in the NHS; and 90% feel nursing is undervalued.
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive & general secretary of the RCN said: “This survey demonstrates the disheartening and worrying effects of the ongoing attack on nurses’ pay. The Government is making a rod for its own back by refusing a cost of living increase. At a time that more nurses than ever are needed and hospitals are struggling to recruit, nurses of the future are being forced to reconsider whether they can afford to work in the NHS.
“British-educated nurses are some of the most highly regarded in the world, yet they are being treated by their own Government as completely disposable.”
