INMO clarifies student nurse payment scheme
The INMO has recommended that student nurses and midwives whose placements have been affected by the Covid-19 emergency should apply for Health Care Assistant (HCA) positions via a separate application process through which they will receive credits towards their nurse and midwifery training.
It comes following much frustration and anger online from student nurses in relation to delays in the roll-out of the scheme announced with much fanfare by Minister Simon Harris on March 26 on foot of growing pressure to pay students nurses for their placements in hospitals during the coronavirus outbreak.
He promised at that stage that student nurses and midwives would be offered a contract as Healthcare Assistants and be paid for their work, however, in the interim there has been hold-ups in the implementation of that in a way that would allow the students to complete their placements, training, and protect their status.
It's expected the first contracts may be issued in the coming days following intensive discussion between both sides.
The Minister said on March 26: "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”.
In a update to members on April 6, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) stressed that students will receive correspondence from the HSE and their Higher Educational Institute with regards to the process for employment as Healthcare Assistants.
“The target date for employment is the 14th of April 2020. The HSE has indicated that students in the general nursing and midwifery sector will be utilised in the acute hospital sector, and those in disability, mental health and children’s nursing will assist within the Community Health Organisations.”
The union said they are continuing to engage with the HSE to ensure this process is as “flawless as possible” but if members need clarification they should contact them
“As per the general population of healthcare workers, we have sought commitments and clarifications from the HSE with regards to pregnant students, immunocompromised students and those experiencing childcare problems as a result of the closure of creches and schools. A government announcement on childcare support for healthcare workers is expected,” the INMO update to students added.
More information is available at https://www.inmo.ie/covidstudent