Hello, my name is Rhyanne and I am a 21 year old student nurse at Swansea University currently in my final year of study. I have come here seeking help with my final six months of study. I have exhausted all other means of financial assistance, including hardship funds and part-time work. However, the costs of living, alongside the minimal amount of student financing I have received has resulted in me coming here as a last resort appeal to assist me with becoming an adult nurse.
After successfully completing college, including an award for promoting excellence, I was offered a place to fulfil my dream of becoming an adult nurse at Swansea University. Although, due to means testing I have only received £1000 NHS bursary and a £2,053 loan from student financing per year. My parents have supplemented this by giving me £150 a month, but with two other daughters to support they are unable to increase this. After bills, this results me being minus £66.50 (breakdown provided below). As part of the nursing degree, I am expected to work 37.5 hours whilst on placement, whilst completing academic assignments and revising for examinations at the same time. This leaves me with little time to work and no chance of a contracted job as my shift patterns vary each week. However, I do have a zero hour part-time job, which does not guarantee shifts and with my already heavy work load, it is absolutely exhausting trying to cram shifts in alongside this.
Following this, I have almost fully depleted my overdraft of £1500, this has added considerable stress on an already renowned taxing career, and is leaving me questioning my ability to continue. I love the career path I have chosen, it is massively rewarding, although unimaginably stressful, each day I care for people of all walks of life with various needs and illnesses. All for £83 a month from NHS bursary, I love caring for my patients, their families and friends, whilst striving to make their time with us as comfortable as possible. All I am asking is for help from the public in my difficult time, in order for me to complete my degree and carry on nursing the public.
Breakdown of Finances:
In goings:
Parents: 150
Student finance £171
Bursary: 83
Total: £404
Outgoings (without living costs):
Placement petrol: £80 (I am expected to drive to patient’s homes during community placements, for which I am not funded).
Rent: £287
Gas/electric: £50
Water: £10
Phone bill: £23
Internet: £18.50
Total: 468.50