Uptake of nursing degree apprenticeships has fallen and almost half of nursing students have considered quitting, finds RCN survey

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1st November 2024 16:06 - Health

Applications for nursing degree apprenticeships have declined and almost half of nursing students have considered quitting their course, finds RCN survey: A recent study by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has revealed that almost half (46%) of the current nursing students in England have thought about leaving their course to pursue an alternative career path. The RCN’s analysis has also detected a 20% decrease in nursing degree apprenticeships applications when comparing the last two full years of data (21/22 to 22/23). This apprenticeship was introduced specifically to broaden the appeal of nursing, enabling students to earn whilst they study, but these figures suggest interest levels may be waning.  

The RCN surveyed 1,528 nursing students, which to equates to a little over 2% of the 68,000 student nursing population at university in England today. The main focus of this survey was the morale and well-being of participants, with student nurses asked how they were feeling now they had begun their courses.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the cost-of-living crisis was the top reason given by students who had considered an early exit to their course, with 7 in 10 citing ‘financial difficulties’ as a factor. Alongside financial pressures, another reason given by many was their experience of witnessing low morale and burnout among qualified nurses; 58% said the prevalence of these hugely negative experiences had almost prompted them to leave their nursing degree.

Wes Streeting, shadow health secretary, said: “Nurses are the backbone of our NHS and it is worrying that nearly half of nursing students are considering quitting their degrees. Staffing levels are already in crisis and it is paramount that the next generation of nurses feel excited by joining the profession so they can help the patients of tomorrow.”

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