A nursing professor says paying students for their placements is a good first step to retaining staff.

Health Minister Andrew Little is considering the move, as the country faces severe shortages in the sector.

Students currently have to complete 11-hundred hours, but not all of that is in hospitals specifically.

Massey University Professor of Nursing Jenny Carryer told Kate Hawkesby that in the surveys that have been done, financial distress comes up as a significant problem.

She says it's a difficult problem, but she's pleased there is some consideration for one thing that can be changed.

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