Student nurses pay and support
Deputy Lowry raises the treatment of student nurses and midwives, saying they feel exploited while risking themselves during Covid-19. The Tánaiste says the Government's priority is to protect students and notes the current training and pay arrangements, with the Health Minister recognising Covid's impact.
I wish to speak on behalf of student healthcare nurses. We need to listen and respond when we hear words such as "discouraged", "dismay", "anger" and "injustice" coming from any group within our healthcare system. Student nurses have long felt that they have been taken for granted and exploited for the work they carry out in hospitals across the health service. These feelings are mounting. The student nurses and midwives of Ireland are taking to the front line in the battle against Covid. In doing so, they are risking themselves and the health of their family members. They are not paid for a job which carries great responsibility. To compound their grievance, they are still being asked to pay college fees of €3,500 per year. These students say they feel forgotten and disrespected by the Government and they are pleading to have their voices heard and to get proper financial recognition. While nursing is considered to be a labour of love, this, unfortunately, will not pay the bills. Could we make progress in the context of financial recognition for this group of people?
Comment on this
The Government's priority is to protect and support the education of all students, including student nurses and midwives. Student nurses are paid in their fourth, or pre-registration year, but not in earlier years. The process of student nurses and midwives training to meet educational standards and requirements involves a supernumerary clinical placement and this places them on the front line for certain periods during each year of their training. This is considered to be a form of work experience. The Minister for Health and his Department recognise that Covid-19 has had a real effect on the placements of student nurses and midwives. The Department is considering proposals for a revision of the existing allowance for clinical placements for student nurse and midwives in the short term to support them financially with their ongoing training. The Department expects to conclude this process in the coming days. The revision will also include measures that will protect student nurse education and welfare during this time.