The Nursing Associate is a role that works within the nursing workforce. Student Nursing Associate’s work within multi-disciplinary teams in a variety of health care settings. They deliver hands-on, person-centred care with a holistic approach to ensure outstanding patient care.

The Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme is a Level 5 course and is a two-year course leading to a foundation degree as a Nursing Associate and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).  It is a training programme that combines both academic and work-based learning and assessment, across a variety of clinical placements. The academic and clinical aspects of this course are demanding, and you should expect to devote a considerable amount of your free time to successfully complete the course.

On successful completion of the programme, this will lead to a foundation degree qualification, registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council as a Registered Nursing Associate (RNA) and a  position of Band 4 Nursing Associate.

Student Nursing Associates are expected to attend university and clinical placements. The academic and clinical assessments of the course are demanding and both elements must be met to successful meet the programme requirements. The role requires, and is not limited to:

  • Develop knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different care settings
  • Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills throughout the Nursing Associate Training Programme and maintain all evidence required.
  • Undertaking clinical tasks including Venepuncture, cannulation, and urinary catheterisation.
  • Complete Medicine Management assessments.
  • Supporting individuals and their families and carers
  • Escalation of a patient’s condition(s) including deteriorating patients.
  • Monitoring and escalation of pain using appropriate pain assessment tools (excluding complex analgesic techniques).
  • Ensuring the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is always maintained.
  • Recognising and escalating issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults.
  • Assist with the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes.