what is a nursing associate uk

A nursing associate is a member of the nursing team in England that helps bridge the gap between health and care assistants and registered nurses. They work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public. The role was introduced to help build the capacity of the nursing workforce for delivering high-quality care. Nursing associates are a vital part of the wider health and care team supporting career progression for healthcare support workers, nurses to focus on more complex clinical work, and the increase of the supply of nurses by providing a progression route into becoming a qualified nurse. To become a registered nursing associate, individuals must pass a foundation degree awarded by an NMC-approved provider, typically taken over two years of higher-level study. Some employers will also ask for a level 3 qualification. The intention is for nursing associates to support, not substitute, registered nurses. With additional training, the role also provides a progression route into the registered nursing profession.