Like thousands of other nursing students, Victoria Robinson needs to complete more than 800 hours of unpaid work placements to graduate. And while the experience is valuable, the third-year student says juggling months of 12-hour shifts at a hospital, along with the work that pays her bills, is difficult.
"Young people that they have to choose between their education and being able to live … between going to placement just to pass the course and being able to afford groceries that week," she said. This work experience is considered vital but can push students into financial stress, according to the University Accord's report released last week, labelling the situation "placement poverty". Current students like Victoria have shared their stories with the ABC, saying the status quo is exploitative, and inflicting significant mental and financial pain. While they welcome the University Accord putting a spotlight on the issue, students say they hope the report triggers real change. Kate Domenici is excited about helping women and children when she becomes a social worker