Nursing Leaders
The nursing associate role was developed in England in collaboration and with the support of leaders across health and social care. Here’s what some of those leaders think about how the role, three years on:
Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care in England:
‘The Nursing Associate role in social care is making a real difference. I was really pleased to present a Silver Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care award last week to one great example, Ajeesh Thomas. His passion and enthusiasm for residential care is heartening and will encourage others to better support the wellbeing of those they care for’.
Emma Dawes, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust:
‘We had high expectations for the Nursing Associate role, but what we have now is even better than we imagined. They have quickly become a valuable part of our nursing family, helping us to think differently and transform the way we work as teams, leading to improved patient care.’
Jane Padmore, Interim CEO of Sussex Partnership Trust:
‘When I welcomed the first cohort of registered nursing associates into the workforce I opened a celebration event. At it I said, 'Now is the time for you to take your place, take up space, find your voice and use your voice- rightfully and gloriously. They have gone on to do this and, by finding their unique place and their voice, make a difference to the lives of the people we serve.’
Donna Loose, Senior Practice Nurse, Birchwood Medical Practice:
‘The trainee nursing associate pathway gives insight into the four areas of nursing, enabling the registered nursing associate to adapt to the differing needs of different patients. In general practice, this is invaluable to the population health that we work across.’
Natasha Goswell, Interim Professional Practice and Workforce Lead, Integrated Care System for Devon:
‘The nursing associate role is an essential role within the nursing workforce team, and is a welcomed addition to the delivery of health and care for our population. Whilst there have been great steps to introduce and embed nursing associates to our nursing workforce, there is more we can do to completely integrate nursing associates into all areas of nursing such as social care nursing and primary care nursing.’
