There’s a nursing shortage. It’s my dream to become one but the unpaid work nearly broke my resolve
As a nursing student at the University of Alberta, I embarked on my journey in 2021 with a deep desire to make a difference in the healthcare field. Inspired by my father, who worked as a nurse in Ethiopia before immigrating to Canada, I was driven to follow in his footsteps and provide compassionate care to those in need. Little did I know the challenges and financial burdens that awaited me along the way.
The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the shortage of nurses across Canada, with many healthcare workers experiencing burnout. I saw an opportunity to contribute to the solution and carry on my father’s legacy. However, the road to becoming a registered nurse was filled with unexpected obstacles.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the financial strain of nursing school. Tuition, books, certifications, and supplies were just the beginning. When I was assigned to a clinical placement at a hospital two hours away from my home, I had to purchase a car to commute, adding hefty expenses for gas, parking fees, and insurance to my already tight budget.
To make matters worse, none of the 1,400-plus clinical hours required for my program were paid. While students in other fields received financial compensation for hands-on training, nursing students like myself were left to shoulder the burden alone. Balancing part-time jobs, academic responsibilities, and clinical placements took a toll on my health and well-being.
Despite the challenges, I persevered with the support of my family. Their help in managing living expenses was the only reason I could continue my studies without a source of income. Many of my classmates weren’t as fortunate, with a quarter of nursing students considering quitting due to financial hardships.
The emotional toll of caring for patients, coupled with the occupational hazards and financial pressures, made me question if nursing was worth it. However, the sacrifices my family made to build a life in Canada and the resilience of my father inspired me to push forward.
As I near the end of my nursing program, completing my preceptorship with demanding 12-hour shifts day and night, I reflect on the inequities in nursing education. Unpaid clinical placements and the lack of financial support perpetuate the cycle of financial precarity for students. Addressing these issues could not only alleviate the burden on students but also help alleviate the nursing shortage.
While I am eager to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse, I am frustrated by the systemic challenges that future students will face. As I look towards the future, I hope for policy changes that support nursing students and pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.
