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Student life

For many nursing and midwifery students, the journey through study is a rewarding one. But for others, the demands of the healthcare environment, high workloads, placements and the pressures of student life can take a real toll on health and wellbeing.

Among nursing and midwifery students, experiences of overwhelm, stress, anxiety and depression are not uncommon and stigma can often be a barrier to seeking help and support.

Study stress and how we cope

Some nursing and midwifery students report study stress can lead to unhealthy behaviours such as eating more snack foods or skipping meals, less exercise, consuming more alcohol and less social interaction. Prolonged sitting, like when you're studying for long hours, can negatively affect your health and wellbeing, especially if you're already feeling stressed or feeling flat.

A 2021 study on Australian nursing students found:

  • 48.5% reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression
  • 37% reported experiencing anxiety
  • 40% reported experiencing stress

(K. Wynter, 2021)

Financial stress

Studying nursing or midwifery can be financially tough. The demands of life, study, and unpaid placements often add up, and many students experience financial stress or placement poverty, making it even harder to stay afloat.

The Australian Government's Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) now offers financial support to eligible students while they are undertaking a mandatory placement in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in nursing or midwifery. You can read more about eligibility and how to apply on the Australian Government Department of Educations website. 

If I was in charge of the degree, I wouldn’t be leaving the topics on nursing, burnout and compassion fatigue until the third year. That is something that I think people should learn about right off the bat. You can’t pour from an empty glass, and if your glass is starting empty, you’re in for a rough time...
Sarah - RN

Your wellbeing matters as a student

Are you feeling stressed about study, overwhelmed by the demands of placements, or finding it hard to look after yourself while training? We're here for you.

Contact us

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Updated