The Student Nursing Associate (SNA) role was introduced to support the Registered Nursing workforce in providing person-centred care across health and social care settings.
SNA’s work alongside the multi-disciplinary team gaining knowledge and skills to enable them to identify any social/personal needs required. The role bridges the gap between a support worker and a Registered Nurse, providing a workforce for future healthcare.
The training is a minimum of 2 years leading to a Foundation Degree as a Nursing Associate. It is a training programme that combines both academic and work-based learning in the physical, psychological and public health aspects of care from pre-conception to end of life
The Student Nursing Associate Team, work in collaboration with HEIs, practice environment staff and learners to enhance learning and improve experiences.
- Support with the resolution of practice placement concerns
- Can make amendments to allocations of assessors and supervisors on PARE
- Have an overview of placement allocation
- support learners with additional needs for Practice Reasonable Adjustment Plans (PRAP)
- Provide advice and guidance for the completion of students PARE document
There are two routes to become a nursing associate, either:
Apprenticeship route with an NHS employer, this route is not currently being offered by the NCA
Direct Entry route, direct application to the university and self-funded, the NCA currently supports students from the University of Salford and University of Greater Manchester.
Qualifications Required
To begin your training as a nursing associate, you’ll need GCSEs grade 9 to 4 (A to C) in maths and English, or Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English.
You will undertake academic learning within the university setting, alongside allocated practice placement areas to gain exposure to different fields of practice / care settings.
Throughout the programme, you will be assessed in both clinical placements the University, via a range of methods.
All Student Nursing Associates (SNAs) require the supervision and support of an assessor and supervisor, during clinical skill and when providing patient care.
Please see attached guidance on how to access the trust educator training.
SNA Staff Contact Details
To contact the SNA Team, email SNATeam@nca.nhs.uk