Programme aims and learning outcomes

This programme is a two-year work-based apprenticeship programme. It is intended to prepare students for Nursing Associate roles within the NHS and wider health and social care settings. The role is a higher level than the current healthcare assistant or healthcare support worker and carries greater responsibility and autonomy.

As an apprentice, you will combine working with studying and you will be expected to actively engage in all aspects of your education, maximising opportunities to further your knowledge and skills and share that learning to facilitate the development of peers. 

On completion of the programme within the new Nursing Associate role, you will work alongside the registered nurse, but will not require direct supervision, delivering care independently, in line with local employer policy and NMC Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates (NMC, 2018) and The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018). As a Nursing Associate you will be able to apply the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed during your education and practice experience to a broad range of clinical and care situations within health and social care settings. Your role will include working in teams and with other agencies to provide preventative care, management of long term physical and mental health conditions and disability, across the lifespan.

Programme learning outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

1. Consider all aspects of their professional practice within the Nursing Associate role with accountability and responsibility.

2. Promote health and wellbeing, the maintenance of it, and the prevention of ill-health.

3. Assess and monitor an individual’s care and identify and escalate concerns where necessary.

4. Communicate effectively within teams, to support the delivery of high-quality care for all individuals.

5. Identify and respond to risk, as to inform improvements in the quality and safety of person-centred care and compassionate practice.

6. Collaborate in partnership with stakeholders across a range of organisations, settings and fields of practice to deliver integrated individual care.