Nursing students keep the NHS running, but they’re doing it for free.

Every day, they deliver frontline care in hospitals, clinics and communities. They do the same vital work as paid staff, while racking up thousands of unpaid hours and paying for travel, parking and meals - all while still covering tuition fees. It’s not fair. It’s not sustainable. And it’s pushing future nurses to the brink.

Placements are work, and work deserves pay.

The Problem

Most nursing students aren’t living the “typical” student life.

They are mature learners, parents and career changers, mostly women, juggling full-time placements, studies and family life.

They give over 2,300 hours of real patient care during their degree, doing the same work as paid NHS staff, but for £0 an hour.

No pay. No recognition. No time.

Placements take over their lives. Many can’t take on paid work or get involved in the things that make university more than just study, like clubs, sports, societies, volunteering, or even time to rest.

This isn’t just unfair. It’s isolating. And it’s unsustainable.

The Numbers

The numbers say it all:

- 70% of nursing students have considered quitting their course because of financial pressure, compared to 26–41% of undergraduates overall.

- £30–£70 a week is the average cost of travelling to placement.

- 60,000+ student nurses keep the NHS running for free.

What We're Fighting For

1. Paid Placements

We’re pushing for all nursing and healthcare students to be paid for their placements. Because real work deserves real pay, simple as that.

2. National Change

We’re backing the Royal College of Nursing’s call for a full review of healthcare student funding. The system’s broken and it’s time the Government fixed it.

3. Local Action

We’re acting now by being clear about the real costs of healthcare courses, including uniforms, DBS checks, transport and parking. We’re launching a second-hand uniform sale, creating a pre-placement guide for HSC students, and pushing for better local support, including lower travel costs, more discounts and increased Hardship Loans.

Here's What You Can Do

1. Sign the student-led petition

2. Join the Campaign - by speaking to our Liberation & Campaigns Coordinator, Jo Bunkle

3. Tell your MP - Essex SU have put together a template that you can share with your MP. Find your MP's email here.

Let’s make sure every nursing student gets the recognition pay they deserve.