The nursing associate is a new generic nursing role in England that bridges the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses, to deliver hands-on, person-centred care as part of a multidisciplinary team in a range of different settings.
Nursing associates are members of the nursing team, who have gained a Nursing Associate Foundation Degree awarded by a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approved provider, typically involving two years of higher-level study, enabling them to perform more complex and significant tasks than a healthcare assistant but not the same scope as a graduate registered nurse.
The role has been introduced to help build the capacity of the nursing workforce and the delivery of high-quality care while supporting nurses and wider multidisciplinary teams to focus on more complex clinical duties.
Is there any recruitment funding available to Primary Care Networks for Nursing Associate roles?
The Nurse Associate role is included in the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme for Primary Care Networks from April 2020.
What education and training is required for a Nursing Associate?
The nursing associate role is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
To become a registered nursing associate, individuals must pass a foundation degree awarded by an NMC-approved provider, typically taken over two years. The programme includes both academic and work-based learning and prepares trainees to work with people of all ages and in a variety of settings in health and social care.
Further information
Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service: guidance for 2022/23 in England
Health Education England – Nursing Associates
NHS Employers – What is a nursing associate?
Health Education England – Interested in becoming a nursing associate?