Nursing Associate

The nursing associate is a new support role in England that bridges the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver hands-on, person-centred care as part of the nursing team. Nursing associates work with people of all ages in a variety of settings in health and social care.

The role was introduced in response to the Shape of Caring Review (2015), to help build the capacity of the nursing workforce and the delivery of high-quality care. It will be a vital part of the wider health and care team and aims to:

support the career progression of healthcare assistants
enable nurses to focus on more complex clinical work
increase the supply of nurses by providing a progression route into graduate-level nursing

For more information on this role, visit the NHSE website

Nursing Associate Apprenticeship Programme

Nursing Associates work as a vital part of the wider nursing team and this important role helps to bridge care between Healthcare Support Workers and Registered Nurses. The fundamental focus of the role is to deliver care for patients and the public.

This Nursing Associate Apprenticeship Programme is a unique programme in Leicestershire, validated by De Montfort University and delivered at the Leicestershire School of Nursing Associates, based on the Glenfield Hospital site. 

The two-year apprenticeship programme combines both academic and work-based learning in the physical, psychological and public health aspects of care from pre-conception to end of life.

At the end of your training you’ll have a foundation degree, and once you register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, you’ll become a fully registered nursing associate.

For more information on the programme and how to access please Click Here

Nursing Associates in Primary Care

Here is a short video introducing you to the Registered Nursing Associate role within General Practice.

Many thanks to Carl Jessops, Senior National Programme Communications Manager from HEE for producing the video as well as Adam Kalaher (Registered Nursing Associate) and Shenaz Ismail (Nurse Manager) and team from Highfields Medical Centre, Leicester.