We call on the Aotearoa New Zealand Government to urgently address the financial, professional, and educational challenges faced by nursing students by implementing paid training. The current conditions place severe burdens on student nurses, jeopardising their education, well-being, and the future of our healthcare workforce.

Financial Pressures
Nursing students are under significant financial strain due to the rising cost of living, including expenses for accommodation, food, transport, and uniforms. These financial challenges are compounded by the need for long-distance travel and relocation for clinical placements, which further depletes their limited resources. Many students are forced into substandard housing, which adversely affects their academic performance. The pressure to work part-time jobs in addition to unpaid clinical placements often leads to burnout and exacerbates their financial difficulties. Those with children face additional obstacles in accessing affordable childcare, which can force them to abandon their studies. The costs associated with uniforms and unpaid hospital shifts also contribute significantly to their financial stress.

Study Pressures
Nursing programs are demanding and require high levels of commitment, which adds pressure during undergraduate training and transitions into postgraduate roles. Uncertain job security upon graduation further discourages students from completing their studies and entering the workforce. Additionally, limited access to pastoral care and technology makes it difficult for students to manage their emotional and academic needs. The lack of consistent mentorship and supervision also hampers their professional development and confidence. Moreover, some students face unwelcoming or discriminatory behaviour during clinical placements, which can increase stress and impact their decision to remain in the profession.

Investing in paid training will alleviate these financial and study pressures, ensuring that nursing students are well-prepared, motivated, and resilient. We urge the Government to act swiftly to provide paid training, thereby supporting a fair and sustainable pathway into the nursing profession and safeguarding the future of Aotearoa’s healthcare system.