Nursing Associate

Proud to Care Devon; Exeter; On-site; GBP 29,880 - 34,320; Full time

Job summary

Proud to Care Devon is recruiting for a Nursing Associate to support service users across social care settings. The role bridges care support work and nursing, performing ECGs, BP and temperature checks under nurse direction and coordinating with the wider health team to ensure safety and well‑being.

Entry routes include direct entry or via an apprenticeship, with pathways to a Level 4 foundation degree via a Bridging Programme. Excellent communication and observational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE/Functional Skills) required.
• Bridge to Level 4 foundation degree available via Bridging Programme.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical tasks such as ECGs, blood pressure and temperature checks.
• Under nurse direction, monitor service users and relay information to the team.
• Work with the wider healthcare team to keep patients safe.
• Promote good health through self-care and behaviour change.

Skills

Verbal communication

Numeracy

Observational skills

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 Maths and English

Foundation degree bridging programme

Job description

A Nursing Associate provides care to service users across the different areas of social care. They help bridge the gap between a care support worker and a registered Nurse and their role includes: Performing clinical tasks such as ECGs, blood pressure and temperature checks; under the direction of a nurse, monitoring the service user and relaying information appropriately; working with the wider healthcare team to ensure that patient is kept safe; and working to promote good health through self-care and adapting behaviours that can cause harm.

Expected Salary

A qualified Nursing Associate could earn between £15.30 to £17.60 per hour depending on experience. Entry-level positions can start at £19,402 per year, and more experienced nursing associates can make more. A standard working week is around 37.5 hours and may include a mix of shifts, including nights, early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Skills and Values

• Good verbal, digital, written and numeracy skills
• Good observational skills and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work as part of a team and as an individual
• Good decision making skills
• Ability to teach and monitor service users about health promotion

Entry Requirements

There are two main routes into this role – either by direct entry or via the apprenticeship route.

To get onto this foundation degree, you will need Level 2 Maths and English (either GCSE grades 9-4 or A-C or Functional Skills). Through Devon County Council, we also offer a Bridging Programme which allows the learner to gain study skills, ready for this Level 4 course.

What roles can I do to gain experience?

• Care assistant
• Senior care assistant

You will be given the chance to update your skills and learn new ones in line with your role and in compliance with your Nursing & Midwifery registration status.

You can also undertake a ‘top up’ programme, utilising Recognised Prior Learning (RPL), to train to become a registered nurse while continuing to deliver your nursing associate role. This will take an additional 2 years of training.

What’s next

You can extend your role by doing specialised courses or move into a leadership role.

You could continue to study and top up your foundation degree to become a fully qualified Registered Nurse (2 years).

Find out more about this role from real people.