Nursing Associate
Last updated: 22 August 2023
Nursing Associate
Nursing Associate is a new role within the nursing team. Nursing associates work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public. It is also a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse. Nursing associates work across all four fields of nursing: adult, children’s, mental health, and learning disability. Your skills and responsibilities will vary, depending on the care setting you work in.
A day in the life
You’ll need to demonstrate the values and behaviours of the NHS Constitution and your duties are likely to include:
- undertaking clinical tasks including venepuncture and ECGs
- supporting individuals and their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life-changing diagnoses
- performing and recording clinical observations such as blood pressure, temperature, respirations and pulse
- discussing and sharing information with registered nurses on a patients’ condition, behaviour, activity and responses
- ensuring the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times
- recognising issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults
Your development
You'll undertake academic learning one day a week and work-based learning the rest of the week. You'll be employed in a healthcare setting such as an acute, community or mental health hospital, care home or hospice but also gain experience in other settings. This will mean travelling to placements and working a mix of shifts.
It is very important to plan and manage the competing demands of your job role, study and placements. You'll develop an understanding of all elements of nursing and caring for individuals with conditions such as dementia, mental ill health and learning disabilities/difficulties.
Once you’ve finished your training, you’ll have the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours to work as a nursing associate. Qualified nursing associates can also go on to train as a registered nurse by putting their training towards a shortened nursing degree or completing a degree-level nurse apprenticeship.
For more information regarding joining our Nursing Workforce team, please submit a form through the ‘Contact us’ page or contact the Recruitment team, who are more than happy to help, on 02392 286000 ext. 6577 or email recruitment.enquiries@porthosp.nhs.uk
My Story
Dee Sweeney
Registered Nurse Associate, Elderly Acute Medicine
What made you become a Nurse Associate? - "I became a registered nurse associate, as I was fortunate to gain an apprenticeship to develop and up skill. This specific role it’s bridging the gap between nurses and support workers."
How did you become a Nurse Associate? - "I completed a foundation degree at Southampton Solent University"
What do you do on a day to day basis? - "I provide personalised care, as per the care plan outlined by the registered nurse. I monitor for signs of deterioration in patients, and escalate my concerns immediately aiming for the best patient outcome."
Why did you choose PHU? - " I felt PHU was a good choice after hearing positive feedback from other employees. I also felt PHU provided me with opportunities to progress further "
What do you enjoy about being a Nurse Associate? - "I enjoy being involved in the patient journey and contributing to positive change. I also enjoy learning and progressing within myself and being part of a fantastic team at PHU."
Career plans - " I am starting a new apprenticeship commencing shortly, topping up to a registered nurse."
