How will universities train enough nurses to degree level when the drop-out rate for such courses can be as high as 78%?

Jane – not her real name – has thought many times about quitting her degree in adult nursing at a London university. "While I'm taking stool samples, my university friends are discussing a case study in criminal law," the 19-year-old says. "I think to myself, 'dear God, what have I done'. You think it'll be quite glamorous, and that nurses will be waltzing around talking to doctors, but that doesn't match the reality."

Suzy – not her real name – has had similar qualms. She's only continuing her nursing degree because "there are people who won't allow me to quit", she says... read more

Guardian, November 09