Don't spend, eat less, save more: Responses to the financial stress experienced by nursing students during unpaid clinical placements.

Using an online survey, this study explored the impact of participation in unpaid clinical placements on the financial wellbeing of 160 nursing students attending an Australian university. The research found that the majority of respondents struggle financially during clinical placements, yet are financially adequate or secure outside of semester or during normal periods of study. Increased transport costs and loss of income are the most significant financial stressors during this time, with additional meals, work-appropriate clothing, purchasing additional resources and materials, and childcare costs other causes of financial stress.