Almost half of nursing students in England have contemplated leaving their degree before graduating, according to the largest survey of its kind by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The figure, representing an estimated 32,000 students, underscores the deepening workforce crisis in the NHS.
Financial difficulties emerged as the primary factor, with 70% of respondents citing cost of living pressures. Nursing students face annual tuition fees exceeding £9,000, and many report that starting salaries after qualification barely match entry-level jobs in other sectors. One student remarked that their projected take-home pay would be similar to earnings at a fast-food restaurant.
The survey also revealed that 58% of students were influenced by witnessing low morale and burnout among qualified nurses. Professor Nicola Ranger, acting general secretary of the RCN, warned that the next government must act urgently to prevent a mass exodus. She called for funded tuition fees and reintroduced maintenance support to retain future nurses.
The NHS long-term workforce plan, aiming to increase nursing numbers from 350,000 to 550,000 by 2036-37, is jeopardised by declining enrolments and potential dropouts. Even nursing degree apprenticeships, designed to widen access, have seen a 20% drop in take-up over the last year. Meanwhile, three in five nurse educators report being affected by redundancies or recruitment freezes.
Health leaders stress that resolving the workforce crisis is essential for cutting waiting times. Saffron Cordery of NHS Providers emphasised the need for meaningful investment in nursing education and improvements in NHS pay to retain existing staff.
