By: 16 April 2018
NMC outlines proposed standards for new nursing associate role

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has launched its consultation seeking views on its proposed approach to the regulation of nursing associates – the new role created to bridge the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses in England.

As part of its proposals the regulator has outlined its approach to education including ambitious standards of proficiency for the role that will enable nursing associates to deliver first class care.

The NMC has also set out how it expects the existing Code – with a new introduction – to apply to nursing associates as well as nurses and midwives, ensuring that the same high standards of professional behaviour and conduct will apply to everyone on its register.

Jackie Smith Chief Executive and Registrar of the NMC said: “This is a hugely exciting step on the road to regulation for this new profession and we want to hear the views of all those with an interest in the role.

“We think that our proposals will ensure that nursing associates are equipped with the skills they need to deliver excellent patient care and to support registered nurses and other health and care professionals throughout their careers.”

Under the plans nursing associates would also be subject to the same revalidation requirements as nurses and midwives when renewing their registration with the NMC as well as the same fitness to practise processes should something go wrong.

Over the coming weeks the NMC will be holding workshops across the country for trainees, registered nurses, employers, patients and the public. There will also be regular twitter chats and webinars with lots of opportunities for people to learn more about what regulation means for the new role and share their views.

Nursing associates: Consultation on the regulation of a new profession will run until 2 July 2018.

You can keep up to date with nursing associates developments by following @nmcnews or by going to https://www.nmc.org.uk/NAconsultation