Hundreds of nursing students in Finland's Uusimaa region cannot find mandatory internship positions. The shortage stems from budget cuts across welfare districts.
Heidi Rontu, head of education at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, confirmed the situation. She said this could delay graduations for many students.
"They have tighter resources and no longer the capacity to take trainees like before," Rontu explained.
Some nursing students face disappointment during internship applications. The worst cases might see graduation timelines extended.
"Students must complete mandatory internships to graduate," Rontu stated.
Finland uses a centralized Jobiili system for healthcare internship applications twice yearly. The most recent application round occurred this Tuesday.
The children's nursing internships prove most difficult to secure. Employers post available positions before application periods open.
When applications begin, students compete to reserve spots quickly. Popular positions disappear within seconds.
With fewer internships than students, some miss their preferred placements. Slow internet connections can cost students all available options.
Rontu defended the Jobiili system as fair. "When it opens for everyone simultaneously, the treatment is equal."
The electronic system has reduced paperwork and phone calls. However, not all employers use the platform.
Students can still contact employers directly about internships. Metropolia created internal training positions at their Myllypuro campus reception.
The HyMy Village reception allows nursing students to complete one internship. Students still need traditional healthcare placements for other required training.
"Welfare districts face savings pressures as we know, but that shouldn't reflect on students," Rontu noted.
Another concern involves language requirements for non-native Finnish speakers. Some internship demands appear unreasonable.
Trainees need guidance but also provide real help at workplaces. Rontu emphasized that economic challenges shouldn't obscure future needs.
Experts remain essential, and students cannot become experts without practical training. "This is really a widespread problem," Rontu concluded.
The situation reflects broader tensions in Finland's healthcare education system. Budget constraints now directly impact student progression in concerning ways.