Nursing Associate
What is a career as a nursing associate in health and social care?
Nursing associates supports the nursing team and plays a vital part in patient care, working under the supervision of registered nurses or other healthcare professionals. They work across the four fields of nursing to deliver high-quality, compassionate care, ensuring patients of all ages receive the right care at the right time.
Duties and responsibilities
A nursing associate provides direct patient care, monitors patients, carries out clinical tasks, support patients independence, completes documentation, communicates with patients, families and carers, contributes to care plans and are followed and regularly assessed.
ARU Step into Healthcare
Anglia Ruskin University offer a free Step into Healthcare course which will help you understand the nursing associate role and you will also gain certification: https://anglia-ruskin-university.learnworlds.com/course?courseid=sihc
Entry routes and pay
Some organisations offer this as a direct entry apprenticeship, you will need a level 3 qualification and level 2 maths and English (and able to provide your certificates) to apply.
This is also offered to those employed as support workers and will be advertised at set times of the year.
For more information about apprenticeships please click here.
You can also apply direct to university to undertake the nursing associate foundation degree.
With both routes you’ll be studying at university and undertaking clinical placements. Upon completion you will register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
As a qualified Nursing Associate you will start on £26,530 and be able to progress to £29,114.
If joining as an apprentice, your salary will be set by the organisation you are employed by.
If you are undertaking as a support worker, it is likely you will remain on your support worker salary until you qualify.
Where can you work?
Working as a nursing associate offers a range of environments you can work in. These could include:
Care Home
Community
Doctors’ Practice
Hospice
Hospital
Mental Health
