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.
Skills and values
There are a range of skills and values that are needed for a nursing associate. These include:
- 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
Entry requirements
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.
What roles can I do to gain experience?
Care assistant.
Senior care assistant.
Opportunities to develop
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.
What's next
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.
