Healthcare Student Voices on the Compounding Stressors of Unpaid Clinical Placements in New Zealand
Saved in:
| Title: | Healthcare Student Voices on the Compounding Stressors of Unpaid Clinical Placements in New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Bex Howells, Kathryn Hay |
| Source: | International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning. 2026 27(1):43-58. |
| Availability: | New Zealand Association for Cooperative Education. University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. Tel: +64-7-838-4892; e-mail: editor@ijwil.org; Web site: https://www.ijwil.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Clinical Experience, Allied Health Occupations Education, Obstetrics, Nursing Education, Mental Health, Nursing Students, College Students, Compensation (Remuneration), Power Structure, Bullying, Student Attitudes, Stress Variables, Working Hours, Well Being, Dropouts, Labor Force |
| Geographic Terms: | New Zealand |
| Abstract: | The healthcare workforce in New Zealand faces critical shortages, exacerbated by high attrition rates in training programs requiring extensive clinical placements. With a focus on elevating the voice of nursing, midwifery, and mental health students undertaking degree qualifications, this paper explores the compounding stressors of unpaid placements. Findings highlight systemic inequities, including financial hardship, excessive workloads, and challenging power dynamics, which affect student skill development during placements, wellbeing, program completion, and transition to the workforce. The lack of remuneration for healthcare training, despite paid training in several male-dominated professions, reinforces gendered inequities and devalues healthcare professions. Recommendations include the introduction of a universal stipend for students in programs with compulsory placements and improved placement regulations. Addressing the challenges associated with unpaid placements is essential to address current inequities and ensuring sustainable workforce development. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506579 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The healthcare workforce in New Zealand faces critical shortages, exacerbated by high attrition rates in training programs requiring extensive clinical placements. With a focus on elevating the voice of nursing, midwifery, and mental health students undertaking degree qualifications, this paper explores the compounding stressors of unpaid placements. Findings highlight systemic inequities, including financial hardship, excessive workloads, and challenging power dynamics, which affect student skill development during placements, wellbeing, program completion, and transition to the workforce. The lack of remuneration for healthcare training, despite paid training in several male-dominated professions, reinforces gendered inequities and devalues healthcare professions. Recommendations include the introduction of a universal stipend for students in programs with compulsory placements and improved placement regulations. Addressing the challenges associated with unpaid placements is essential to address current inequities and ensuring sustainable workforce development. |
|---|
