Students Union welcomes pay agreement for student nurses
The Students Union at Athlone Institute of Technology has welcomed the news that student nurses are to be paid for all work they carry out during the Covid-19 crisis.
Minister for Health Simon Harris made the announcement yesterday (Thursday) evening, saying that student nurses and midwives will be offered contracts as healthcare assistants and paid for the work.
The news will come as a relief to students studying in AIT’s Department of Nursing and Healthcare, with the Students Union describing it as “amazing news” in a Facebook post.
“So glad student nurses are now getting the recognition they deserve during these difficult times,” they added.
Earlier this week, Athlone students had joined the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) in calling for urgent clarity on how the current crisis would impact student nurses’ work conditions and future education.
In his statement yesterday, Minister Harris said the move would allow student nurses and midwives to complete their work placements while continuing to complete their course.
"This is an offer and not an obligation. But I know so many of our student nurses want to play their role as we navigate our way through these difficult times,” he said.
"Our healthcare professionals have shown immense leadership and I will do everything I can to support them.
"I want to thank our student nurses and midwives for the brilliant work they are doing in this difficult time. We need all hands on deck through this challenging period.”
Approximately 4,000 student nurses and midwives will now be able to apply for positions through the HSE’s ‘On Call for Ireland’ initiative.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) welcomed yesterday’s news, saying it had been campaigning intensely for employment opportunities for student nurses for several weeks, as many were unable to work other jobs due to cross-infection risks.
However, the INMO is seeking further clarification on a number of issues, including the scope of the students’ practice in these roles, and how it can be best integrated with their academic progression and placements.
INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, said: “This is a really welcome step from the government. It’s good news for the student nurses, who will now be paid for their work on the frontlines.
“It’s also good news for the wider health service. These are dedicated, talented, hard-working people who are keen to help in the global fight against COVID-19. Taking them on as paid staff not only values their work, but offers them clear protections as employees.
“We will now engage with the government to determine the detail of this announcement, particularly on ensuring that students’ academic progression isn’t harmed by the crisis.”