RETURN TO NURSING PROGRAMME

There is a shortage of Nurses around the country -especially in Aged Care. I have returned to Polytech to do the Return to Nursing Course so I can be a Registered Nurse in Aged Care. However this course is not funded by Studylink, so I had to get a loan to pay the fees. This course is unfunded and I am not allowed to work when I am on clinical placement as I have to do 40 hours a week. So that leaves me with no money to pay my bills, and run a house , let alone pay back the loan while I am on placement, because I wont be working and will have no income. I feel that this is very unfair - there is such a Nursing shortgage yet there is no support for Nurses to go back and do the CAP Programme so as to lessen the shortage. I have completed the 2 week theory course with great feedback and results and now have to do a 6 week placement 40 hours a week, with no paid work. I just want to be a Nurse again but its become so difficult as I wont be earning . WINZ are giving me all they can, which is $80 accomodation supplement ( the maximum) and $75.55 for temporary assistance, which in total is $150.55 per week. They are not able to give me any more. I do not qualify for Jobseeker as I am not available for full time work. The money that WINZ have provided does not even cover half of my rent. They have been very good but unable to do anymore. If anyone has any queries about this page I am happy for you to email me. Thank you