Trainee Nursing Associates and Nursing Cadets

The creation of the Nursing Associate is a landmark innovation for the nursing profession. Nursing Associates play an important role in a multi- disciplinary workforce. The new role is expected to work alongside care assistants and registered nurses to deliver hands on care.

Want to know more? Take a look at our case studies.

Meet the future nursing associates. Find out more about the role of the clinical educator and a trainee nursing associate (TNA) manager and listen to a story from an Assistant Practitioner who supports TNAs in practice.

Hannah Sheldon, Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA)

Hannah Sheldon is a Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA) at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Hannah talks about the varied placements she has had since commencing the TNA role and gives an overview of the training and support she has been given.  Hannah says it’s nice to be a trailblazer for something new.

Supported by HRH Prince of Wales, the scheme aims to develop and prepare young people aged 16 to 25 years for life and to support them towards employment in nursing.

About the Nursing Cadet Scheme

The scheme runs in partnership with education providers and youth organisations alongside their usual timetable of activity, combining guided online and experiential learning. This includes learning modules and a clinical observational placement within their local health care region. 

Once they have completed this, cadets submit a portfolio of reflection and gain a completion certificate. They are then supported to take decisions on next steps, which can include a level 2 or 3 related diploma, a foundation degree or an undergraduate nursing degree.

For more information on the scheme, to get involved as cadet, uniformed organisation, or as a placement provider, please email nursingcadets@rcn.org.uk