RCN WALES calls for graduate guarantee for newly qualified nurses in Wales as only 69% of anticipated nursing graduates this year are set to secure a job.
HEIW (Health Education and Improvement Wales) have announced that 809 roles will be made available across the NHS in Wales for nurses qualifying in Wales during the remainder of this year. This means that only 69% of nurses who have trained and been part of the NHS for the past 3 years will have a job within the NHS in Wales. 31% of graduates remain in a state of considerable worry and uncertainty.
Nicola Williams, Executive Director of Nursing, Royal College of Nursing Wales said: “We recognise and are encouraged by the work that has been undertaken across NHS Organisations, by the Executive Directors of Nursing and their teams to make as many jobs available as possible for our graduate nurses.
“However, the figure still falls short of the number of students due to graduate this year.
“Those who have chosen to be one of our amazing nurses here in Wales have already dedicated hours and hours of both studying and placement time contributing to health services across Wales.
“They should be comforted by assurance of a job at the end of their training.
“That is why we are calling on the new Welsh Government for a graduate guarantee for all nursing students in Wales, to ensure a seamless transition from training to employment.
“When you look at the money being spent on agency nursing for example, this cost could easily cover the outstanding roles for newly qualified nurses, which would lead to more consistent care and a sustainable career start for those wishing to care for the people of Wales.
“Our members are telling us that the NHS in Wales remains short-staffed in the areas that they work.
“Many nurses are not being released to access the education and development they need, are not having breaks, are experiencing burn out and feeling demoralised as they cannot give the care that their patients need due to the current staffing levels.
“A pipeline of nursing graduates who are training, working, and living in Wales are essential in the drive to improve recruitment across Wales and re-build the NHS.
“We also need to considerably improve the strategic workforce planning within Wales to ensure that we have the right number of appropriately trained and skilled nursing workforce, in the right place, that can meet the rapidly changing needs of our growing population.
“RCN will be discussing this situation at the earliest opportunity with the new Welsh Government, will continue to work with HEIW and NHS bodies in relation to job opportunities and will continue to support students during this worrying time.”
