Nursing associate is a relatively new position on the nursing team. They provide care for patients and the general public, collaborating with registered nurses and healthcare support professionals. Additionally, it is a step toward becoming a registered nurse.
They can be employed in all four nursing specialties—adult, paediatric, mental health, and learning disabilities. Depending on the care setting you work in, your duties and talents will change.
Typical responsibilities can include:
You may work a variety of shifts, such as nights, early starts, evenings, and weekends, during your typical 37.5-hour workweek.
Meet the nursing associates - YouTube
You will require Functional Skills Level 2 in math and English, or GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A to C) in arithmetic and English, to start your training as a nursing associate. Additionally, certain jobs may request a level 3 qualification. Additionally, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to complete the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme and study for a foundation degree level.
Places for trainee nursing associates are typically posted on NHS Jobs, but certain positions are open to applicants who apply directly to universities. Those admitted directly into university programmes would be required to pay for their own training.
Your Education
One day a week will be dedicated to academic learning, and the other three will be spent at work. While working, you'll receive experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including acute, community, or mental health hospitals, care facilities, or hospices. Traveling to placements and working a variety of shifts will be required.
It is very important to plan and manage the competing demands of your job role, study and placements. You'll develop an understanding of all elements of nursing and caring for individuals with conditions such as dementia, mental ill health and learning disabilities/difficulties.
Career Development
Once you’ve finished your training, you’ll have the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours to work as a nursing associate. Qualified nursing associates can also go on to train as a registered nurse by putting their training towards a shortened nursing degree or registered nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA).
Your nursing associate training may shorten a registered nurse degree apprenticeship to 2 years.
To find out more about the apprenticeship route, including how to apply, speak with your line manager, education team or apprenticeship lead. Your employer may want you to complete a year working as a nursing associate before you progress to registered nurse training.