Responding to the new UCAS data showing a drop in applications to nursing programmes, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said:
"This is further evidence this week that things are heading in the wrong direction. An 8 per cent drop in applications to nursing courses across the UK is a real cause for concern amid a workforce crisis which is compromising safe patient care.
"With the biggest drop in mature student applications, financial pressures are at play and the prospect of taking on more debt when inflation is soaring is a bridge too far. Stronger interest from 18-year-olds is a testament to nursing staff inspiring the next generation, but the profession is hugely diverse and relies on attracting people of all ages and all walks of life, often as a second career.
"Ministers everywhere need to prioritise attracting the next generation to address vacancies, starting with fair pay.
"In England, removing one of the main pathways by scrapping BTECs in health and social care risks compounding falling application numbers. Ministers also have the power to strengthen the future of nursing by funding tuition fees and providing higher maintenance grants."
