Nursing associates: NHS success story or a staffing stop-gap?

Devaluing nurses or a valuable way into the profession – opinions remain divided. As the number in post nears 8,000, we review the progress of the controversial role

• The nursing associate role is designed to bridge the gap between healthcare assistants and nurses and provides an alternative route into nursing
• The role divided opinion from its inception, and the staffing crisis has heightened concerns that nursing associates can be used as substitute nurses to cut costs
• More than 7,000 nursing associates are registered in England, with many finding the role rewarding, but others are frustrated by the lack of progression opportunities and scant financial reward

The first-ever cohort of nursing associates – then