Thousands of student nurses and midwives will be pulled from their hospital placements so qualified staff don't have to supervise them and can focus instead on battling the Covid-19 crisis.
The news – a blow for students who gain crucial experience while on placement – comes as hospitals scramble to direct all resources to tackling the pandemic.
The Department of Health tonight confirmed that "all clinical placements for student nurses and midwives in Years 1-3 will be suspended for a period of least two weeks from January 18, 2021."
The move highlights again just how bad the situation in Ireland's hospitals has become – but will free up hundreds of experienced nurses and midwives to help fight coronavirus fires.
During the first wave, student nurses had a change of job title – becoming Health Care Assistants and receiving pay.
But RTE News reports that the HSE did not want unqualified students on the frontlines this time around, with qualified staff prioritised.
A spokesperson for the Department said: "The temporary suspension of these student placements will free up clinical placement co-ordinators, practice co-ordinators, as well as nurses and midwives working in other educational and policy development roles so they can support the HSE at this challenging time."
And the Health Minister thanked affected students for their "ongoing commitment to the future of our health services.
Stephen Donnelly said tonight: "This is an uncertain time for them and I know many will be disappointed by this news. I would like to reassure them that all options will be considered in re-starting these placements as soon as it is possible."
Rachel Kenna, the Chief Nursing Officer in the Department of Health, added: "I recognise the enormous commitment students have made in participating in the clinical learning environments at a very challenging time.
"The education of student nurses and midwives is a priority for all of us, but this must be done safely, with the appropriate supports and supervision structures in place."
