#StudyNursingLondon campaign
London Higher launched the second phase of our #StudyNursingLondon campaign on 13 May 2024. The new campaign aims to inspire students to consider healthcare degree courses by shining the spotlight on Adult Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing and Radiography (both therapeutic and diagnostic).
#StudyNursingLondon and now #StudyRadiographyLondon will also highlight career paths and financial support. This campaign has been developed by London Higher’s Healthcare Education Group, and is focused largely on student testimonials.
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Background
The NHS workforce plan sets out ambitious targets for the recruitment of nurses, which includes the aim of increasing adult nursing trainee numbers by 92% by 2030. We know that London has the most acute nurse shortage, with 10,627 vacancies in March 2023 – an 11% increase compared to last year.
The nursing profession in general is still primarily female. In London we know that 90% of the nursing student population are classified as mature (with almost 60% over the age of 30). It is also an ethnically diverse student population, with 64% of UK-domiciled learners studying for a nursing degree in London being of an ethnicity other than white.
There are four main sub-areas of nursing in which undergraduate degree courses are offered Adult Nursing, Child Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Learning Disabilities Nursing.
Healthcare remains a predominantly female profession. Looking at medical technology (which includes radiography) in London, we see around 80% are women, but have a younger demographic than nursing (c30% are over the age of 30).
The campaign
The campaign focuses on student voice, hearing from students on a range of courses at a variety of London higher education institutions. You can view student testimonials on our YouTube channel, on Instagram, on LinkedIn under the #StudyNursingLondon hashtag and #StudyRadiographyLondon.
We hope that these testimonials will highlight reasons for choosing a particular type of nursing / allied healthcare and the varied and fulfilling career they can provide. Many also touch upon the value placed on doing work which benefits society, the flexibility of the profession, the appeal of the practical aspects and the skills it develops and that London is a great place, it also offers the full range of courses.
How can I get involved?
We can’t do this without your help! Whether you are a higher education institution with a nursing school in London, or you wish to support the campaign as a sector organisation, mission group or other UK university, you can have a read through the campaign toolkit and use our assets on social media under #StudyNursingLondon.
If you have questions about getting involved or would like to discuss the campaign further, get in touch with Anna Zvagule, Head of Communications at London Higher on anna.zvagule@londonhigher.ac.uk.
Support for the campaign
Jolanta Edwards, Director of Strategy at London Higher said:
“The pandemic has underscored the incredible importance and value of our frontline healthcare workers.”
“With phase two of #StudyNursingLondon, we’re doubling down on our efforts to recruit and train the skilled professionals London’s healthcare system requires to deliver world-class care to all.”
Health Minister Andrew Stephenson said:
“I’m delighted that the #StudyNursingLondon campaign has expanded – helping to inspire the next generation of healthcare workers.
“Nurses, radiographers, and other allied health professionals carry out vital work daily. They are a testament to the compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication of our NHS.
“We will continue to strengthen the workforce, and the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan sets out our ambition to increase the number of nursing and midwifery training places to over 44,000 by 2028/29, and to over 58,000 by 2031/32.”
Jane Clegg, Regional Chief Nurse, London said:
“I am pleased to see this important campaign continuing, through a focus on the areas of nursing and allied health subjects that are critically important to ensuring the city’s healthcare services have a pipeline of bright students who will be at the forefront of healthcare.”
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Luke Hall said:
“Nursing work is incredibly meaningful and rewarding, and our nurses and frontline health workers do incredible work serving the nation’s health needs every single day.
“A degree is not the only pathway to building a successful career in health. NHS England is one of our Top 100 apprentice employers and embraces both apprenticeships and T Levels as great ways to get skilled healthcare workers.”
