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“Nursing associates play such an integral part within the health and care system in England. Their skills, knowledge and commitment are vital as they work in partnership with nurses to deliver the high-quality care people have the right to receive. The journey to establish this role wasn’t always easy, but it’s so rewarding to see more than 10,000 nursing associates now on the NMC register. We must continue to share stories about nursing associates, and the vital care and support they provide for people every day. These professionals have so much to be proud of, and I’m excited to see what lies ahead for this role. ”
Sam Donohue, NMC Acting Executive Director of Professional Practice, discusses nursing associate role on Just a Sharp Scratch podcast – February 2025
“The role of the nursing associate is more critical than ever in the healthcare landscape, yet it remains undervalued and underutilised… Nursing associates are making a difference across the entire healthcare landscape, including social care, primary care, acute hospitals such as A&E and ICUs, as well as aesthetic surgery clinics and independent hospitals. Their versatility and ability to adapt to different healthcare settings demonstrate the value they bring in ensuring high-quality patient care across multiple sectors. ..The nursing associate is not a diluted or lesser version of a nurse; it is a distinct profession with its own scope of practice, designed to complement and support nursing teams… The constant questioning of nursing associates – when they will ‘top up’ or ‘become a proper nurse’ – is degrading and demoralising. Would we ever ask a midwife when they are going to become a ‘proper nurse’? If not, then why do we persist in doing this to nursing associates? We must stop undermining them and instead recognise their value as integral, skilled professionals in their own right.”
Nicole Blythe is programme lead for the pre-registration nursing associate programme, University of Salford Nursing Times, March 2025
“Nursing associates do a fantastic job supporting patients and freeing up registered nurse to focus on more complex care…. These roles will play a central part of the NHS’s Long Term Workforce Plan.”
Andrew Stephenson, Health Minister, January 2024
This conference will update delegates on developing the role of the Nursing Associate – understanding the elements of the role, and how the role is being delivered in practice. Through national updates, case studies, e-posters, and perspectives from Nursing Associates the conference will look at the developing role, regulation of the role, accountability, support and practice development, competence and how you can develop and support the role in your service.
Case studies will look at nursing associate experiences from a nursing associate perspective and those who support them. The conference will discuss scope of practice, expanding knowledge, competence and skills under the right training and governance and implementing the Guidance on Medicines Management and the NMC Standards of Proficiency for Nurse Associates.
The conference will also reflect on avoiding inappropriate extensions to the role and responsibilities of the Nursing Associate.
“The RCN calls on employers to ensure that NAs are not pressurised to work beyond the NMC defined scope of practice, and advocates for the development of national employer codes which sets out the parameters of the role of the NA in each country of the UK where the NA role is regulated.”
RCN October 2024
This conference will enable you to:
Network with colleagues who are implementing and developing the Nursing Associate role
Learn from outstanding practice in training and supporting Nursing Associates
Understand how the role has changed and developed
Ensuring Nursing Associates are working within their scope of practice
Explore additional competencies and how local policies and governance can support NAs to undertake additional procedures
Reflect on national developments including NMC Regulation & Revalidation, the Guidance on Medicines Management and the Nursing Associate and the Standards of Proficiency for Nurse Associates
Ensure safety and develop effective governance and accountability
Learn from case studies of the role in practice
Improve the way Nursing Associates are introduced and supported
Learn from the lived experience of Registered Nursing Associates
Learn from case studies
Understand how you can improve competence and compliance with national NMC standards
Identify key strategies for medicines management
Understand how to support nursing associates in your service
Self assess and reflect on your own practice
Supports CPD professional development and acts as revalidation evidence. This course provides 5hrs training for CPD subject to peer group approval for revalidation purposes
