A Growing Exodus: Student Nurses Consider Overseas Opportunities Due to Domestic Shortages

A recent survey reveals that nearly two-thirds of student nurses in New Zealand are considering working abroad if they cannot secure local jobs after graduation. This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of the domestic nursing workforce.

The survey, conducted by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO), included responses from 1,246 student nurses. Union National Student Unit (NSU) co-chairperson Bianca Grimmer emphasized the survey results as a clear signal to employers and policymakers.

"61.86 percent of students said they would look for nursing jobs overseas if local opportunities were not available," Grimmer said. "The number rises to 73 percent among Māori students, which represents a significant potential loss of our domestic nursing workforce."

Last year, only 50 percent of nurse graduates secured hospital jobs. Grimmer noted that students are increasingly turning to countries like Australia, where they are being actively recruited. Hospital roles are especially attractive due to better pay and the opportunity to gain specialized experience.

Financial stress is another major concern for nursing students. Tuition fees alone can exceed $30,000, and additional costs for uniforms, transportation, and other study-related expenses make the profession financially challenging. Clinical placements, which are a critical part of the training, do not pay students and often require them to work 40 hours a week, making it difficult to maintain part-time employment.

"Most students are reliant on student loans for survival," Grimmer explained. "Paying the minimum or living wage during clinical placements would significantly improve retention rates and reduce burnout among students who are also supporting families."

Health New Zealand national chief nurse Nadine Gray responded by noting a decrease in nursing turnover in hospitals, from 14 percent in 2022 to 8.6 percent in the previous year. She emphasized that over 60 percent of nurses now work outside the hospital system in roles such as primary care, community health, and aged care. The government has also announced a $30 million investment to increase the number of graduate nurses in primary care by 400 annually.

Minister of Health Simeon Brown highlighted the government's efforts to grow the healthcare workforce, including the hiring of 2,100 additional nurses since 2023. He pointed out that the average salary for registered nurses, including overtime and allowances, is $125,660 — comparable to salaries in New South Wales. Budget 2025 includes initiatives to expand nurse practitioner training and fast-track education for primary care nurses to become prescribers.

Despite these measures, the NZNO remains critical of the lack of guaranteed employment for new graduates. Grimmer called for immediate action to address the crisis, stating, "Hire us or we will leave."

This issue is not just a matter of employment but also of retention and equity. With a growing number of nurses considering international opportunities, the future of New Zealand's healthcare system may depend on how effectively it can adapt and support its nursing workforce.