'Silenced and disrespected': Nursing students say they're stressed by long-term care staffing plan

It was touted as a historic solution to help the dire health-care shortage.

But some nursing students at Dalhousie University say a plan to have them work in long-term care homes for two weeks has backfired. Instead of motivating students, it has sparked concern and stress.

They say they're being pressured into "volunteering," and they're worried their education will suffer as a result.

CBC News has spoken to four students in the program, but has agreed not to use their names. The students fear repercussions at school or in job placements for speaking out.

Just over a week ago, the provincial government announced nursing students were being drafted to help an urgent staffing situation in long-term care homes. The Nova Scotia Nurses' Union also applauded the plan.

But the students say the reality of the request has been chaotic. While some students in the class are fine with the changes, others are stressed.

"Unfortunately, our education is being sacrificed," said one student CBC is referring to as Jessica. "How do we know that they're not going to continue to prioritize our education second?"

The students were given 10-days notice that their semester on pediatric and perinatal care was being put on hold so they could work in long-term care for two weeks.

The placements could be anywhere in the province, although the students could indicate a preferred location. They were told the government would help with transportation and costs of accommodations. 

As of Friday evening, some still did not know where they would be working on Monday. They were warned they may have to go back to class instead.

"Students who need child care and other accommodation were not addressed fairly. And students also have other jobs they cannot rework within a week's notice – this has caused an immense amount of stress on the student body," said Angela, another student.

All four students want to make it clear that their class is eager to be part of the solution — that's why they applied to work in nursing. But they say they have no guarantee that this is an isolated request.

"Health care is in a really bad spot," said Jessica. "We want to make sure that we're well equipped to enter the workforce as registered nurses. We want to be able to enter the workforce safely and confidently."

After the students started asking questions, they say Dalhousie gave them options. They could volunteer to start their rotation in long-term care on Monday, or wait until their scheduled clinical placement in March. Those who waited would not receive the $1,000 honorarium from the province.