Nursing students at Swansea University are experiencing a significant shift in their job prospects after a recent announcement from the Swansea Bay University Health Board. Initially informed that there would be no available positions upon graduation in February 2026, the 65 students of the M23 nursing cohort faced a future filled with “unemployment, uncertainty, and fear.” This news emerged in October 2025, leading to widespread frustration among the students who believed they were entering a profession with ample job opportunities.
The health board’s initial statement indicated that there were no available posts for adult branch nurses within the cohort, despite the students’ expectations of a strong job market in nursing. Many had dedicated long hours to their training, often under challenging conditions, and were assured that their skills would be in high demand. As the situation unfolded, the students expressed their discontent, with one student describing the absence of job vacancies as a “fraud.”
“We were sold this training as a ‘no need to worry about jobs’ training. It is an absolute nightmare,” the student stated, highlighting the emotional toll of working unpaid to fill NHS shortages while facing a bleak employment outlook.
In response to the uproar, the health board has now announced the availability of “substantive posts and fixed-term rotational posts.” These new opportunities aim to accommodate the students seeking employment in the region. A spokesperson for the Swansea Bay University Health Board explained their staffing challenges, stating, “While as a health board we did not and do not have any substantive inpatient ward nursing vacancies, we do constantly juggle a mixed staffing model involving different bands of staff.”
By adjusting their staffing strategy, the health board has managed to create additional job opportunities for the graduates.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) expressed relief at the health board’s decision. Professor Sandy Harding, associate director of nursing at RCN Wales, commented positively on the collaboration that led to this outcome. “RCN Wales is pleased to hear that Swansea Bay University Health Board has worked closely with HEIW to develop streaming pathways for nursing students to provide adequate jobs in the area,” she stated.
Professor Harding noted that the RCN had been in contact with students since October 2025 regarding their concerns about job availability. The collaboration between the health board, students, and Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has resulted in a more promising outlook for the nursing cohort.
The situation underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue between educational institutions and healthcare providers to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the job market. With these new job opportunities, the future for the nursing students at Swansea University appears brighter, allowing them to continue their vital roles in the healthcare system.
As the nursing sector continues to face staffing challenges, the swift response from the Swansea Bay University Health Board demonstrates a commitment to supporting new graduates and addressing workforce needs. This development serves as a reminder of the critical role that healthcare education plays in shaping a sustainable healthcare workforce in Wales.
