UCAS figures released illustrate a small decrease in Welsh nursing degree applications for 2020. Helen Whyley, Director, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales, said:
“We are disappointed that the applications this year are lower from Welsh students. It is no secret that Wales desperately needs more nurses and according to our recent RCN survey of members, only 49% of nurses would recommend nursing as a career. The Welsh Government has to do more to promote nursing careers in support of its Train Work Live initiative including urgently developing a national strategy for nursing retention - a plan for how to keep nurses and nursing staff wanting to work in the NHS. Our members have been very vocal about their difficulties providing care on the frontline.”
Nicky Hughes, Associate Director of Nursing (Employment Relations), added: “Wales needs more registered nurses to deliver care and potential nurses can be put off by the funding support available. To combat this the Welsh Government needs to increase student numbers and measures to safeguard international recruitment and address retention. The Welsh Government needs to make a longer commitment to providing an NHS Wales Bursary as a stream of funding.
In addition, RCN Wales is waiting on the publication of the Welsh Government Workforce Strategy for Health and Social Care. The workforce strategy must focus on improving retention though ensuring safe nurse staffing levels, access to continuous professional development (CPD), measures to support well-being, such as flexible working opportunities and good rates of pay.”
