Final year student nurses who joined the workforce early in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, will remain on the Band 4 pay level until they join the Nursing and Midwifery Register.
Normally nurses would work through Band 3 first, but their special effort in the face of challenging circumstances has heralded the latest decision from Minister of Health Robin Swann - and his thanks.
Mr Swann said: “Since April, almost 1400 nursing and midwifery students at Northern Ireland universities have been on paid placement and contributing to the workforce across the HSC.
“This has been an excellent response during one of the most challenging periods in modern times and I thank each and every student for their valuable contribution.”
Given the significant pressures on the health and social car system, second and final year nursing and midwifery students were given the opportunity to take on paid roles.
Year two and early year three nursing students, have been remunerated at the Band 3 Agenda for Change level.
Around 660 students in the final six months of their programme have been on Band 4.
And the hours worked will count towards the nurses’ clinical placements required by the Approved Education Institutions.
Under normal circumstances, students in their final year are invited to apply for permanent positions in HSC and receive Band 3 pay during the short transition period between completion of their degree and joining the NMC Register.
Mr Swann said: “As final year students are already a valuable part of the workforce I am announcing today that they will continue to be remunerated at band 4 as part of the extraordinary Covid-19 arrangements.
“This will continue until they join the NMC register. It is my anticipation that all those qualifying will be offered a permanent registered nurse or midwife position at band 5 once they join the register.”
“I commend all nursing and midwifery students for their contribution and support to the HSC workforce during the Covid-19 outbreak and wish them well for their future careers in the health service.”
Chief Nursing Officer, Charlotte McArdle said: “I congratulate all those nursing and midwifery students who have played an essential role in the fight against Covid-19 and helping to deliver care in very difficult circumstances.
“I have no doubt these have been challenging times for everyone, including the first year students who have had their courses paused and I look forward to welcoming the new graduates to their new professions as they transition over to permanent posts in the coming months.
