The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on figures issued by UCAS.
These show an increase in acceptances to studying for a nursing degree in England, after clearing. The figure for students being accepted at universities in England for nursing degrees rose 23.2% to 25,910, up from 21,030 last year.
Mike Adams, RCN Director for England, said:
“Nursing today brings together technical expertise and remarkable people skills, delivered with high levels of professionalism across a vast array of care settings. It is wonderful to see so many new students interested in our profession and testament to the visibility, commitment and leadership of all of our nursing staff through this pandemic.
“But, there are approximately 40,000 nursing vacancies in the NHS in England alone. Any increase in acceptances has to be seen in that context. The increase also looks less impressive over a longer time period. Since 2016, the final year of the old bursary model, the figure is up by just 3,870 acceptances – a much slower rate of growth per year.
“We demand more Government action to retain the existing workforce.
“A recent survey of 42,000 RCN members showed that 35% are thinking of leaving the profession this year, with more than half citing pay as a factor. Unless there is improved pay, we risk many of our members leaving the profession – putting the public at greater risk, when the nation needs them more than ever. That is why we continue to call for a significant and early pay rise”
ENDS
