Stop using students to fill the rota gaps
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Stop using students to fill the rota gaps

Nursing students say they are ‘learning in fear’ as they plug nursing rota gaps, with many branded troublemakers if they speak up.

Nursing Standard. 38, 6, 6-6. doi: 10.7748/ns.38.6.6.s3

Published: 31 May 2023

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Picture credit: John Houlihan

Children’s nursing student Jessica Pidcock told an RCN congress debate on combating unsafe student rostering that she and her peers were constantly ‘in fear of failing placements’ due to the lack of support on shifts.

Ms Pidcock, pictured above, told members: ‘Despite the fact I have my own health needs, childcare needs and a child with disabilities, I am still given a roster based on what other people are working and told there is no leniency.

‘Equally, if we stand up to this we are called “a nuisance” and consequently we are in fear of failing our placements.

‘So what are we to do? There is no safe anonymous reporting service. I have been scared too many times, looking around thinking there are not enough registered staff here.’

Unsafe rostering

The motion proposed by nurse Greg Ursey asked the college to condemn such unsafe rostering, saying they are too often used to fill gaps particularly at weekends and bank holidays.

He proposed the RCN develop specific guidance to support nursing students on clinical placements and promote their learning and well-being. Members voted to support the motion.

He added shifts should be agreed for ‘the learning needs of the student not for the needs of that workplace’.

Queen’s University Belfast nursing student Nuala McLaughlin called plugging the rota gaps with students ‘completely unacceptable’ and an ‘unsafe practice.’

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