References
A mixed-methods exploration of the nursing associate role, programme experiences and future career pathways
Abstract
This article reports on a small mixed-methods research project undertaken with trainee nursing associates (TNAs) in the south of England. Aim: The aim was to gain insight into the motivation behind undertaking the nursing associate (NA) programme, how the NA role is perceived by service users and the wider healthcare team, and the future career pathways of NAs. Methods: Online questionnaires (n=14) and online focus groups (n=6). Findings: The results suggested undertaking the NA programme increased the TNAs' confidence and ability to use evidence to support their practice; that the role of the NA is not well understood. Some TNAs perceived the NA role as a distinct professional role, whereas others saw it as a way into registered nurse training. Conclusion: Role confusion still exists. Research is needed to capture how professional identities in new health and social care professional groups become established.
This article summarises a small mixed-methods research project undertaken with trainee nursing associate students (TNAs) during April to June 2021. The project set out to explore the experience of TNAs, their motivation for undertaking the programme, the perception of their role by others and their future career direction. Additional themes were uncovered including the impact of COVID, the efficacy of the TNA programme and professional growth.
The background to the implementation of the nursing associate (na) role that followed on from the mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust public inquiry (Francis, 2013), the Cavendish Review (Cavendish, 2013) and the Shape of Caring review (Willis, 2015) is well documented (Robertson et al, 2022; Peate 2023). The recommendations from the reports and reviews highlighted the need to bridge the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses (RNs). This led to the pilot of the NA role in 2017. The first two waves of the pilot featured 35 NHS trusts (Vanson and Bidey, 2019). Following the initial pilot, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approved the NA Standards of Proficiency (NMC, 2024a) and opened the professional register to NAs in January 2019 (NMC, 2023a).
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