Nursing Associate

A Nursing Associate provides care to service users across the different areas of social care. They help bridge the gap between a care support worker and a registered Nurse and their role includes:
Performing clinical tasks such as ECGs, blood pressure and temperature checks; under the direction of a nurse, monitoring the service user and relaying information appropriately; working with the wider healthcare team to ensure that patient is kept safe; and working to promote good health through self-care and adapting behaviours that can cause harm.

A qualified Nursing Associate could earn between £15.30 to £17.60 per hour depending on experience. Entry-level positions can start at £19,402 per year, and more experienced nursing associates can make more. A standard working week is around 37.5 hours and may include a mix of shifts, including nights, early mornings, evenings and weekends.

• Good verbal, digital, written and numeracy skills
• Good observational skills and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work as part of a team and as an individual
• Good decision making skills
• Ability to teach and monitor service users about health promotion

There are two main routes into this role – either by direct entry or via the apprenticeship route.

To get onto this foundation degree, you will need Level 2 Maths and English (either GCSE grades 9-4 or A-C or Functional Skills). Through Devon County Council, we also offer a Bridging Programme which allows the learner to gain study skills, ready for this Level 4 course.

• Care assistant
• Senior care assistant

You will be given the chance to update your skills and learn new ones in line with your role and in compliance with your Nursing & Midwifery registration status.

You can also undertake a ‘top up’ programme, utilising Recognised Prior Learning (RPL), to train to become a registered nurse while continuing to deliver your nursing associate role. This will take an additional 2 years of training.

You can extend your role by doing specialised courses or move into a leadership role.

You could continue to study and top up your foundation degree to become a fully qualified Registered Nurse (2 years).

Find out more about this role from real people.