The nursing associate has a breadth of knowledge across the lifespan and across the fields of nursing, providing holistic and person-centred care and support for people of all ages and in a variety of settings. The nursing associate works independently under the leadership of registered nurses, working within the sphere of nursing and care and within all aspects of the nursing process. Nursing associates are equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a nursing associate and will work to the NMC code of conduct. The following criteria identify the core components of the roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of nursing associates.
They identify what nursing associates can contribute to the health and wellbeing of patients and service users, and apply across all health and care settings. Integral to all of these is the ability to communicate effectively, with sensitivity and compassion, and to manage relationships with people, making reasonable adjustments where necessary.