Record number of teens opting to become nurses after being inspired by pandemic

RECORD numbers of youngsters are opting to develop into nurses — and most have been impressed to affix by the Covid disaster.

Purposes by 18-year-olds in England have surged 38 per cent to 7,105 since 2019, college admission figures present.

Purposes by 18-year-olds have surged 38 per cent, figures presentCredit score: Getty - Contributor

General, a document 28,815 college students of all ages made a nursing course their first selection when making use of to college.

Seven in ten stated they have been impressed by nurses’ professionalism within the pandemic, the College and Schools Admissions Service and Well being Schooling England discovered.

One in ten stated it was the primary issue behind their selection.

Nevertheless, a stark gender hole nonetheless exists, with ladies 9 instances extra prone to apply for a nursing qualification.

Ruth Could, chief nursing officer for NHS England, stated: “The final couple of years, tough as they've been, have shone a highlight on the worth of our nursing career and the rewarding careers on supply in each nook of the NHS.”

Well being Secretary Sajid Javid stated the NHS was on monitor to recruit 50,000 extra nurses by 2024.

He stated: “The extraordinary achievements of employees through the pandemic inspiring a brand new era to develop into the way forward for our well being and care companies.”

Patricia Marquis, the Royal School of Nursing’s director for England, stated the rise was encouraging however warned: “There are already vital employees shortages. Many of those college students gained’t qualify till 2024.”