Nursing Associates      

FOI REFERENCE: 24414    FOI DATE: 8^th October 2024     

I would like information on your trust’s nursing associates (NAs) and the number who ‘top up’ their training to become registered nurses.

‘Registered nursing top up’ is a shorter two-year degree or a nursing degree apprenticeship equivalent to a BSc in nursingthat recognises prior certified learning and allows a registered nursing associate to become a registered nurse.

  1.How many registered [normally band 4] nursing associates does your trust employ

As at 30 September 2024, the Trust employed 45 Nursing Associates

2.In the last 12 months (September 2023-24), how many registered [normally band 4] nursing associates at your trust is your nursing lead (ie: chief nurse or nurse director or most senior nurse) aware of that have applied to do a ‘Registered nursing top up’ course

31 Top-Up places were applied for from September 2023 to September 2024

3. In the last 12 months (September 2023-24), how many registered [normally band 4] nursing associates at your trust have completed a ‘Registered nursing top up’ course?

12 Apprentices have completed the Top-Up RNDA Apprenticeship in this period – All BCU

Of those who have completed the course, how many now work as registered nurses at the trust?

11 Apprentices have remained at the Trust to date.

4.How many ‘Registered nursing top up’ training places did your trust fund in the last 12 months, (September 2023-24) using the apprenticeship levy? 

26 Top-Up places funded from September 2023 to September 2024

5. What criteria must a registered [normally band 4] nursing associates meet to qualify for funding for a ‘Registered nursing top up’ training place from your trust

They need to:

• Be employed on a 30 hour (or more) permanent contract of employment with our Trust
• Hold maths & English GCSE or equivalent
• Be a qualified Registered Nursing Associate with the NMC    OR    hold another suitable Healthcare Foundation Degree or Degree qualification which is deemed suitable by the University to RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) across to the Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship.  
• Must have the full support of their ward manager and matron to study for the Top-Up Apprenticeship