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Leadership/Management

Registered nurses’ perceptions of nursing associates’ professional identity

13 August 2024
Professional
02 August 2024
Volume 33 · Issue 15

Abstract

The nursing associate (NA) role was introduced in 2017 with a pilot programme of trainees, and in 2019 became regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The role bridges the gap between the healthcare assistant (HCA) and registered nurse (RN), allowing RNs to focus on complex care. With over 9000 NAs on the NMC register and more in training, it is important to understand RN perceptions of the NA professional identity. The findings of a qualitative survey of RNs (n=23) identified the following themes: NMC standards and scope of practice; The ‘cheap nurse’; Skills development and progression; A supportive bridging role. Although valued, the role was perceived as a threat, ambiguous and inconsistently implemented. The implications are that the role ambiguity and lack of standardisation need addressing and a clear understanding of these must be articulated for the professions and public alike.

The nursing associate (NA) role in England was announced in 2016, with the pilot programme for trainees starting in 2017, as a measure intended to address a workforce gap in the NHS, by developing an alternative educated and skilled workforce group. The gap existed because of a loss of older nurses reaching retirement and attrition of younger nurses. There are also increased demands on health services due to greater demands from patients living longer and those with complex care needs. The role allows progression beyond a foundation degree to become a registered NA regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

The NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan (NHS England, 2024) sets out an aim to recruit 64000 NAs by 2036/37 and so signals a change in frontline nursing teams to accommodate this. Being a new role, the identity of the NA group has yet to be fully established and accepted. It is important, therefore, to know how the role of NAs and their professional identity are understood by registered nurses (RNs).

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Professional identity
Nursing associate
Registered nurse
Staffing issues
Workforce development