Student Nurses
Student nurses will be paid for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis.
The Health Minister has confirmed that all 4,000 student nurses and midwives will be offered a contract as a Healthcare Assistant and will be paid accordingly.
This will allow students to complete their placement in a HCA role and continue to complete their course.
WIN: Govt confirm that student nurses will be paid throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Our understanding is they'll be paid as healthcare assistants for any work done.
More details as we get them. Many thanks to our many union activists and student members who fought for this.
— Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (@INMO_IRL) March 26, 2020
In a statement this afternoon, Health Minister Simon Harris said all nurse and midwives who have been working unpaid placements will now be offered a contract as a Healthcare Assistant for the duration of the crisis.
“I want to thank our student nurses and midwives for the brilliant work they are doing in this difficult time,” he said.
“We need all hands on-deck through this challenging period."
“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."
“Our healthcare professionals have shown immense leadership and I will do everything I can to support them.”
Student nurses are to be paid on a salary of €28,000 per year for the duration of the #covid19 crisis
— Shane Beatty (@ShaneBeattyNews) March 26, 2020
First to third-year student nurses take unpaid placements each year as part of their training.
Many have warned that they have been unable to return to their jobs outside of the acute sector.
This is due to fear they may been exposed to the virus.
Fourth year students are paid €10.47 per hour for their internships.
A Healthcare Assistant earns €28,000 a year.
