Otago Polytechnic third-year nursing student Lucy Sansom (20) is one of about 40 who are relishing the opportunity to boost the nursing ranks if or when the Covid-19 pandemic causes a critical nursing shortage in the Southern District Health Board (SDHB).
In that event, she and fellow nursing students would be employed by the SDHB as healthcare assistants, to wash patients, mobilise them, and provide basic care.
"I put my hand up early to do it because I’ve already had Covid and I know what to expect now. It’s not scary for me working with Covid patients."
She said the pandemic had put a lot of pressure on healthcare professionals, and it was an opportunity for her to help the health system, while gaining nursing experience.
"I think it’s important going into the field next year, to support those nurses out there who may be really struggling."
She was looking forward to being paid too. Her student loan balance would "appreciate the income".
Otago Polytechnic has been working on the initiative with the SDHB during the pandemic.
Last year, in response to the pandemic’s impact on nursing, the Nursing Council introduced a new Registered Nurse Programme education standard which recognises paid employment as clinical hours during an emergency of national significance.
This allows polytechnics to work with district health boards when it becomes clear there are going to be significant workforce issues in relation to staff illness or isolation due to the pandemic.
SDHB chief nursing and midwifery officer Jane Wilson said nursing students had already been working as part-time or casual healthcare assistants around their studies.
"This includes credentialed student vaccinators who have enabled the DHB to increase capacity in the vaccination programme.
"They are incredibly valuable members of our healthcare team."
Polytechnic nursing head Karole Hogarth said the students had not been called on as yet to do any paid employment working with Covid-19 patients.
"Currently, the Covid-19 numbers in the SDHB region are being managed.
"There are plans in place for additional volunteer nursing students and staff from Otago Polytechnic to be available to provide support, should an increase in numbers require the SDHB to change their response to Covid-19."
