Nursing Associates

This is an occupation that was introduced into the health and care workforce to bridge the gap between health care assistants and registered nurses. Nursing associate is a stand-alone role that will also provide a progression route into graduate level nursing. It's intended that the role will enable registered nurses to focus on more complex clinical duties. Nursing associates work in the public, independent and voluntary sectors and it is a statutorily regulated profession. The standards for proficiency are set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Successful completion of this apprenticeship will meet the education requirements for registration with the NMC. This standard covers the NMC Standards for Proficiency and Annexes A & B for nursing associates (October 2018).

Professional regulation rarely sets out in law what professionals can’t do. However, the Code commits nursing associates to not work beyond the limits of their competence. Like nurses they are an accountable professional but unlike nurses they will not assess, lead teams and co-ordinate healthcare, but will work within teams.

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Key Responsibilities

Patient Care: Following appropriate training and assessment and regular updates Nursing Associates help deliver hands-on care to patients, which can include the following
- Carrying out routine assessments and observations of patients, including vital signs, blood pressure, and temperature.
- Assist in chronic disease management, such as monitoring patients with diabetes, hypertension, and asthma etc
- Support patients with minor injuries or illnesses.
- Offer health advice and education on topics like diet, exercise, and medication.
Clinical Support
- Undertake wound care following assessment and care plan as documented by Registered Nurse (RN).
- Support RNs in taking blood samples, administering injections (under supervision)
- Childhood immunisations
- Adult vaccinations
- Cervical cytology
- With additional clinical training the role could be expanded i.e. travel vaccination etc
- Help with the management of medical records and ensuring patient data is updated accurately.
- Undertake audits for QoF (Quality Ourcome Framework)
Patient Advocacy:
- Provide emotional support to patients and their families.
- Help patients navigate the healthcare system, ensuring they understand their care plan and treatments.
- Work with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.
Health Promotion:
- Provide health education and advice on preventative measures like immunizations, screening, and healthy living.
- Encourage self-management of health conditions.
Collaboration with Healthcare Teams:
- Work closely with GPs, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and other allied healthcare professionals to provide holistic patient care.
- Participate in team meetings, case discussions, and care planning.

Skills Required

Clinical Skills: Basic clinical skills, such as taking vital signs, carrying out assessments, and assisting with treatments.
Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
Organisational Skills: Ability to manage workloads, prioritise tasks, and maintain accurate patient records.
Compassion and Empathy: A caring attitude and the ability to support patients emotionally and physically.

Benefits for Primary Care

Workforce Expansion: Nursing associates help address workforce shortages in primary care, allowing registered nurses and GPs to focus on more complex tasks.
Continuity of Care: Their role supports continuity of care in community settings, especially for patients with long-term conditions.
Increased Patient Access: They help improve patient access to services by assisting in routine tasks and providing ongoing care.

Training and Qualifications

In the UK to become a Nurse Associate, individuals typically must complete a two-year foundation degree in nursing associate practice. This qualification combines academic study with practical, hands-on experience that covers all aspects of health care from birth to end of life After completion, they must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to practice in the UK.

In essence, nursing associates are an essential part of the primary care team, improving both the quality and efficiency of patient care.

Would you like more details on the educational path to become a Nursing Associate or the specific duties they perform in a healthcare setting? Click here for training providers for Nursing Associates

The requirements for undertaking the Nursing Associate programme are as follows:

GCSE maths and English level or above or functional skills level 2
Functional skills equivalent qualification
Proof or right to work in the UK
Employment contract should be minimum thirty hours per week

Whilst training you are required to undertake:

Theory 1152 hours over the two years
Placements (can be external) 1150 hours over the two years
Allocated to a (Standard for Student Supervision and Assessment) SSSA trained Assessor and Supervisor

During training there would be support from the (Primary Care Workforce Academy) PCWA via named Nursing Associate Ambassadors - the lead is Annette Farmer. Please click here for apprenticeship frequently asked questions.

Levy Funding

This information is mostly for practice managers and employers.

Apprenticeships are funded via the levy (currently awaiting clarification from NHSE on this for 2025)

Secondary care trusts pay the levy fund. They are able to "gift" funding to smaller organisations. Arrangements are in place for all federations, primary care networks, and practices to access this funding. For further information and/or to arrange funding and set up a Digital Apprenticeship Services (DAS) account please keep reading below. You can also contact us at apprenticeships@seltraininghub.co.uk if you have any further questions. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU APPLY FOR FUNDING ON THE PCWA WEBSITE.

If you are a manager working for a federation, primary care network or practice, and you would like to enrol a member of staff onto an apprenticeship programme using Levy Funding, follow the process outlined here.

More information is available on our Apprenticeships page

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