What to expect from your nursing associate

Our latest animation explores the vital role nursing associates play within health and social care in England. It explains how these professionals are guided by our Code and standards every day to provide safe, effective and kind care for people who use services. The animation also looks at how educators guide and supervise nursing associate students, so that they can join our register with the knowledge and skills they need to practise safely and confidently.

The nursing associate role was introduced in England only in 2019 to help bridge the gap between health and care assistants, and registered nurses. They deliver and monitor care planned and assessed by registered nurses. They work across a broad range of settings - in social care, hospitals and within the community - providing essential care and support to people from all corners of society.

Sam Foster, Executive Director for Professional Practice, said:

“Nursing associates stand shoulder to shoulder with other health and care professionals in England, offering vital support to registered nurses and providing essential care for people who use services. Just like nurses and midwives, they follow our professional Code, and study and practise in line with our standards of proficiency for nursing associates, ensuring people receive the safe, effective and kind care they have the right to expect.

“People are at the heart of everything nursing associates do. They listen and communicate with people and their families and carers to understand their health needs, working with them and the wider team to support any decisions about their care. 

“I hope our animations build further awareness about the incredible role nursing associates play within health and social care in England, and the positive difference they make to people’s lives every day.”

Further information:

This animation joins our existing animations about what people can expect from their nurse and midwife, to help them understand the roles of all the professionals on our register.

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