Nursing students fear they aren’t getting what they signed up for

Internal nursing students say their mental health and grades are slipping with many classes moving online, but Massey claims the degree builds “work-ready” grads.  

Wellington nursing student Sarah* said, “Honestly, this online learning module is not how I expected Nursing to be at all.”  

In August last year, Massey cut its Albany Nursing degree for new students, with the Wellington and Manawatū courses remaining.  

With lab use being included in students' fees, Sarah* said they had a total lab time of 2 hours a week, with the rest of classes online.  

“I struggle to stay on top of my work or find any passion in the profession when we are essentially being taught how to be a Nurse through our computer screens.” 

Sarah* went into nursing to be around people, however, they said this was not reflected in the way they study at Massey “whatsoever”. 

Posters that say “NURSING IS NOT AN ONLINE DEGREE” were plastered around the Wellington campus by the student association general president, Hennessey Wilson.  

However, Sarah* said online learning allows them to split the content up for themselves, rather than sitting through a 2-hour lecture which tends to drag on. 

Third-year nursing student Luke* said they wouldn’t recommend Massey for future students.  

The large switch to online started to impact their mental health as they feel like they were teaching themselves.  

“My grades were good I was retaining information I had learnt. But ever since we moved online my grades have dropped despite me studying 4-10 hours daily.” 

A Massey spokesperson said they provide a Bachelor or Nursing programme that allows graduates to be “work-ready, knowledgeable and skilful”. 

Massey’s nursing qualifications are nationally and internationally recognised and approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. 

The spokesperson said lab time provides interactive learning that links in person and online learning to the placement environment.   

“We understand that studying online will be a new experience for some students.” The Student Achievement Team is available to provide guidance.  

*Names changed for anonymity.