Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 June 2014
149. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health if there will be a review of the changes to the payment for fourth year nursing students; if a return of old rates is being considered in view of the valuable input made by trainee nurses in our hospital systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24869/14]
View answerFourth year undergraduate student nurses undertake a 36 week rostered placement as a key part of their degree programme. When doing so, they are not qualified nurses and require supervision. The following pay scales were sanctioned, with the agreement of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with effect from 1 July 2013. Higher scales have been sanctioned for Mental Health Student Nurses undertaking the placement, maintaining previous relativities.
Salary Scales for Student Nurses* undertaking 36 week 4th Year Clinical Placement
First one-third (12 weeks) - €6.49 per hour
Second one-third (12 weeks) - €6.92 per hour
Final one-third (12 weeks) - €7.79 per hour
*Including Midwifery, Children’s and Intellectual Disability.
Salary Scales for Mental Health Student Nurses undertaking 36 week 4th Year Clinical Placement
First one-third (12 weeks) - €6.64 per hour
Second one-third (12 weeks) - €7.08 per hour
Final one-third (12 weeks) - €7.97 per hour.
The level of pay for this undergraduate placement, split into 3 twelve week periods, is in accordance with the relevant provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act. It also reflects, to a significant degree, the 2:1 replacement ratio of permanent staff when placements occur. There are no plans to revise these scales at present.
