The NSW government’s $12k plan for healthcare students falls short of the wide-ranging reforms needed, says the NSWNMA.
The NSW government’s plan to subsidise healthcare degrees is proof that NSW Health staff are operating “a broken public health system”, according to the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association.
NSWNMA assistant general secretary Michael Whaites told media that while the subsidies would increase staff retention, they were a drop in the ocean compared to the system-wide reforms required to address the chronic workforce shortages across NSW Health.
“These subsidies will assist with retaining clinical staff in NSW, but they are no silver bullet,” Mr Whaites said.
“This government incentive demonstrates we are operating a broken public health system, and it is going to take wide-ranging reforms to correct them, including nurse-to-patient ratios on every shift, improved working conditions and better pay.
“We are at a point where every possible opportunity, incentive or policy change must be explored, and we are actively speaking with our state and federal counterparts about what kind of national framework or policy setting is possible to address this issue.”
According to Mr Whaites, addressing the financial burden created by unpaid clinical placements was a key priority for nursing and midwifery students, with the majority of students thrust into financial hardship as a result of the placements.
“Nursing and midwifery students must carry out up to six months of unpaid clinical placements in NSW which carries immense financial pressure,” he said.
“About 70% of students who are enrolled in a nursing degree indicate that they are under financial hardship because of clinical placements.
“Students who are offered placements, many of which are regional, incur travel and accommodation costs as well as loss of wages, making it extremely challenging for them, especially in this current climate.”
From 15 January, students enrolled in healthcare degrees in NSW can apply for up to $12,000 in government subsidies on the condition they accept a minimum of five years employment in the NSW public health system upon graduating.
The scheme is expected to support up to 850 nursing students, 400 medical students and 150 midwifery students each year.
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