UCAS figures released in February 2024 show that nursing applications have decreased across all specialisms, but particularly in adult nursing and mental health nursing.
Of the 27 Into Nursing grants we have awarded so far, 4 have won an RCN Foundation Impact Award for outstanding achievement in student nursing.
Take a look at them below and envision the impact your organisation could have on the UK's healthcare.
Meet Fartun
Fartun received funding to support her studies for an MSc in Mental Health Nursing at City University, London. The support provided by the RCN Foundation enabled Fartun to complete her studies and become a newly qualified nurse focusing on helping those with ill mental health.
“I have always been interested in human behaviour and mental health in particular. Thanks to my studies, and the support from the RCN Foundation, I have been able to build my knowledge base and develop as a person. I now feel more confident in making decisions. When I see a patient progress in their recovery journey, that’s the best part of my job.
Meet Samantha
Following the arrival of her second daughter who has Down's Syndrome, Samantha decided to change careers. £7,500 to undertake a BSc in Learning Disability Nursing at the University of Hull. The grant enabled her to pursue a new career as a Registered Nurse, supporting people with learning disabilities. Samantha is currently a Band 5 Nurse in an older adults mental health unit in Hull.
“I wouldn’t have been able to commit to my degree so totally without the extra financial support. The scholarship allows people such as myself some financial freedom to enter the nursing profession, so bringing with them life and work experience from other professions.”
Meet James
James first degree was in acoustics and audio systems but after volunteer work in hospitals around the world, he decided to make a change an obtain his nursing degree. He was awarded £7,500 to support the completion of his MA in Adult Nursing at the University of Salford.
“This scholarship has greatly alleviated some of the financial pressures of returning to full time education. It has also given a sense of accomplishment and pride to forever have my name associated with the RCN Foundation”.
Meet Rachael
Prior to obtaining her nursing degree, Rachael was a healthcare assistant but fell in love with patient care and was inspired by her colleagues to become a nurse herself. She was awarded a grant of £3,000 to undertake a BSc in Adult Nursing at Oxford Brookes University and is now a Staff Nurse on the gynaecology ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Rachael stated that the grant “has been extremely beneficial; without this award I would have really struggled to complete my course, with the stress of finances and an increased pressure to work shifts in between placement and academic study.”