Bridging the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses in England, the nursing associate role allows colleagues to expand their existing experience gained in healthcare support roles.
It advances their clinical knowledge, broadens their responsibilities, and supports their development into registered practice.
Training is through a nursing associate apprenticeship, which contains an educational Level 5, foundation degree training programme, to allow colleagues in roles such as healthcare assistants to take that next step.
Gianna D’Amico.
Nursing associates work widely across our Trust — including on acute wards, in community hospitals, and as part of specialist community teams.
As registered professionals, they contribute to the strength and flexibility of nursing teams, enabling registered nurses to focus on more complex clinical decision-making.
Training combines hands-on learning within the Trust with the academic requirements required to qualify and earn a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration.
Gianna D’Amico, studies at the University of Suffolk, and works on Wivenhoe Ward at Colchester Hospital. She is due to qualify next February.
The former healthcare assistant said: “The role of a nursing associate provides an opportunity to help nurses and free them up to focus on more complex situations.
Anna Kruczek.
“With the right support and mindset, it’s possible to succeed, grow, and deliver safe, compassionate care while progressing academically and professionally.”
Gianna added: “It allows me to support patients’ physical and emotional needs and be part of a multidisciplinary team making a difference in people’s lives.
“It would be nice to raise the NAs’ profile. I was the only nursing associate on my ward for a time and maybe because there weren’t many – colleagues weren’t aware of nursing associates and what we do.”
Rupak Gurung, meanwhile, works as a student NA in the Emergency Department, also at Colchester Hospital, and has just completed a placement on Nayland Ward.
Rupak said: “People don’t understand nursing associates do so much behind the scenes, and we’re not just giving out medication.
“We may be sorting out discharge letters or making sure our patients have the right medication to take home.
Rupak Gurung.
“As a healthcare assistant I was only able to do observations and escalate patient issues to the nurse.
“Now I am taking responsibility for patients and escalating them to the right specialist doctor or nurse in charge.
“I am thinking more clinically – constantly asking questions and learning all the time.”
Student nursing associate Anna Kruczek, who works on Kesgrave Ward at Ipswich Hospital, said: “I’m excited by the idea of constantly learning, experiencing patients’ personal stories, and growing professionally and personally.
“I’m very passionate about helping others and as a registered nursing associate I can follow my dream and passion.
“No two days are the same and nursing combines teamwork, adaptability and problem solving.”
Samantha Jackson has qualified as a nursing associate and works in the Emergency Department at Colchester Hospital.
She said: “Juggling university, working on your home ward and placements, as well as home life, can be full on. Organisation is key.
Samantha Jackson.
“I enjoyed the fact that I could learn while working, as I was able to apply theory to practice, with the support of the ED team.
“Apprenticeships are a great way to progress and learn.”
- For more information about apprenticeships, please contact apprenticeships@esneft.nhs.uk