Nursing Associate Apprenticeship

[Kismet999]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of doing this?

What was it like? What is an average day like?

Is there any scope to do it part time (unlikely I know)?

How easy is it to then go on to become an RN?

I have thought about re-training as a nurse for a very long time and this seems like a good way to go about it, given you are on a salary.

Thanks very much in advance x

Hi, I'm not clinical but I work for an NHS organisation who has adopted this role and I previously both recruited and helped manage the associates in terms of where they would be located, how they would be rotated etc.

So I can't give you any information on the level of study as this would be overseen by my lead nurse. But what I can tell you is that all of the candidates who applied were HCA's, I didn't have any who didn't have at least some clinical background. But this isn't a requirement of the post. Our associates were also split between primary and secondary care, so they got a good insight into both areas. Out of the 15 we employed, 9 went on to further study and the others stayed on to work within general practice.

I didn't have much hands on experience but I do know that many found being a nurse associate in primary care better than secondary as there wasn't any shifts. Due to extended access, there was however the requirement to work some Saturdays and evenings, but until 8pm.

Personally, I see associate roles as being the future of the NHS, and as a "way in". We now have physician associates, pharmacy associates etc. All help to improve patient care, which can only be a good thing. Good luck with it OP

Thanks very much for that WWUD x

I teach on a nursing associate foundation degree if that is helpful.

I line manage a nurse associate trainee. While it seems like a pretty good course, and she does manage it on about 30 hours pw; I would be a bit wary - check your trust has a policy of employing these band 4 nurses afterwards. Not all trusts do ..

Thanks very much for that @wwud12 and @Joditaylorfan.

The course/apprenticeship itself sounds really good and I have read some great things. I have thought about re-training as a nurse for a long time and on the surface this seems like a great option/way in.

Thanks very much @Sparklepunk

I am concerned about the lack of progression. I would be undertaking the role on the basis that I would like to go on to train as a Registered Nurse at some point afterwards. I have been told there is a bridging course but I have never seen these advertised so am worried these won't end up being available. Will I am end up having to return to uni at my own cost and if so for long?

I do already have a degree so could apply for the fast track MSC nursing course but this would definitely involve lumbering myself with a lot of student debt. Having said that, given my age (41), it is unlikely I'll end up paying that much back. Plus this may be the most demanding course.

Any further advice and help would be very welcome.

Thanks everyone xx

We run a course for both apprenticeship and direct entry (where the student is self funded). The course is one day theory either in uni or on line, one day placement, then time in the base placement. Direct entry are supernumerary in the base, while apprentices are not. If you have previous care experience that can be validated and a relevant degree, e.g. health and social care or psychology, you might be able to directly go on the masters in nursing. Either way, to get the apprenticeship, you must either be employed as an HCA, but if you check NHS jobs, there might be opportunities to be employed as an apprentice directly.

I would check NHS jobs, and also attend open days for local NHS employers and university to talk to academics and the people involved in practice to find out where the recruitment pipeline comes from. Also university website.

Let me know if I can answer anything else.

Thank you again @Sparklepunk. I think that's a good idea, talking to employers, uni's etc to find out further information.

I have applied for an apprenticeship nursing associate role with a local trust and they have indicated that I don't have to be working in health, providing I can meet the person spec, so that's really positive.
I will see what they say about possible progression if I get an interview.

I have had undertaken other roles supporting people in difficult circumstances, and currently work as a teaching assistant. Am hoping they will see some potential and transferable skills.

Thanks x

Apologies for typos. Typing on phone in a bit of a hurry x

No worries, if you can get some of the care experience validated you may be eligible for the masters. Our university also run a shortened 18 month nursing course for those with the foundation degree already, so your local university might offer similar.

A long shot ! I know this post is old I’m looking at apply for the apprenticeship recently advertised! How did you get on ? Did you end up completing this apprenticeship ? If so did you enjoy it! I’m currently a 3rd year student paramedic and a new mum to a beautiful baby so after having time off away from uni and re starting my placements on the ambulance I’m hating it. I didn’t enjoy my 1st year thought about nursing but plodded on to my 2nd year and I did quite enjoy my 2nd year however now I’m in 3rd year again and my hearts just not in it I wish I listened to my gut instinct in year 1 of going to do my nursing instead. Now sfe is not an option to train to be a nurse via uni and sfe xx