Applications to study nursing spiked during the pandemic as many were keen to help.
There has been an 8% drop in applications to nursing and midwifery courses across the UK, according to new data.
Figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) reveal that 5,610 fewer students applied for undergraduate nursing and midwifery courses this year.
The biggest drop is in mature student applications, with a massive 14% loss in applications from those aged 21 and over. The same UCAS data also reveals a small increase in the number of males wanting to join the nursing profession.
Applications to study nursing spiked during the pandemic as many were keen to help on the frontline.
The news comes after Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) data revealed that international nurses now make up half of those joining the profession, demonstrating an increasing reliance on the overseas workforce.
A real cause for concern.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned the fall in applications will only further compromise patient safety given existing staffing shortages.
Responding to the news, 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.”
