New nursing associates celebrated at presentation event

The Trust held a special event on Tuesday 28 May to recognise and celebrate trainees who have now qualified as nursing associates.

Following completion of their two year training programme, the new nursing associates were presented with a certificate at the event held at Fieldhead in Wakefield.

A registered nursing associate is a member of the nursing team who will provide professional care for patients. The role is intended to address a skills gap between health care assistants and registered nurses.

Margaret Bedford, who organised the event and leads on the trainee nursing associate work at the Trust, opened the event and invited deputy director of nursing and quality Mike Doyle to give an introductory presentation. Mike said: “When we were offered the opportunity to recruit nursing associates we weren’t sure what it involved – but we’re so glad we took the role on board as it’s much needed to help with the capacity and capability on our wards.

“We’re committed to supporting people during and beyond their training and I’m confident we will see a huge return on investment from this role. I want to thank everyone for all their hard work so far and congratulate you all on your achievements.”

This was followed by a presentation from Lindsay Butterworth, programme manager for the nursing and midwifery workforce across Yorkshire and the Humber, who spoke about her role in supporting organisations to recruit nursing associates. She commented: “Well done to everyone, you have worked extremely hard.”

Nursing associates are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The NMC sets standards of proficiency for nursing associates, who must meet these standards to join and remain on the register.