Covid Nursing Survey Findings So Far - Now Have Your Say

Our survey with The Open University about Covid ends on Sunday 13 June (now ended). Read findings so far and enter the survey (before Sunday) if you’ve not done so already.

"55% of respondents so far would encourage others to become nurses - now have your say"

Survey results helping shape the future of nursing in the UK – have your say with The Open University.

Last week, The Open University launched its survey here on Nurses.co.uk aimed at nurses to understand how the pandemic has impacted your career ambition.

As part of a wider campaign to help highlight nursing as a career choice, filling out the survey gives you an opportunity to have your voice heard.

If you've not had your say yet, you can do so now - survey closes Sunday 13th June!

Findings So Far

So far, the research has revealed that 33% of respondents said that Covid-19 has made them feel more positively about nursing as a career choice, while 47% reported that the pandemic made them think of enrolling in further training.

Interestingly, 46% of respondents agreed that before the pandemic, nursing as a profession had a poor reputation among people in general but - because of the pandemic - one in five (21%) realised just how important the role of nursing is.

The survey also revealed that almost a third (31%) of respondents believe that their family and friends are now more supportive of their decision to pursue nursing as a result of the pandemic.

While 55% of respondents would encourage others to become nurses, 64% of surveyed nurses believe that cost is the main barrier to undertaking further training to be a nurse.

The research also highlights other barriers to further training to become a nurse such as time (32%) and getting employer’s support (26%).

The top three factors that would be or were important to respondents when studying a course related to nursing are:

● Relevance to practice-based working (62%)

● Learning new skills (61%)

● Flexibility in how and when to study and being able to work around the job (58%)

Being Supported Is Key

Additionally, some respondents have reported that being supported and valued in a workplace is very important to UK nurses when working toward a nursing qualification in the open-ended section of the survey, highlighting the issue that UK nurses face.

The findings so far show what the barriers to further training are but to make sure it is as representative as possible; your insight can help.

Fill out The Open University survey on how the pandemic has impacted your career ambitions.

The results will help highlight nursing as a career choice and shine a light on the incredible work you do.

And it only takes a few minutes.

Findings Will Be Shared With National Media

The Open University aims to showcase nursing as a career choice in the news agenda across the UK, targeting national and consumer lifestyle publications.

The survey results would be shared to support the campaign, amplifying the voice of the nurses in the mainstream media.

Have your say and fill out the survey by 13th June 2021.