Trainee nursing associates in England: A multisite qualitative study of higher education institution perspectives.
Int Nurs Rev
; 71(1): 130-139, 2024 Mar.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37534431
ABSTRACT
AIM:
To explore the experiences of university employees on the development and implementation of the nursing associate programme.BACKGROUND:
As part of wider policy initiatives to address workforce shortages, provide progression for healthcare assistants and offer alternative routes into nursing, England recently introduced the nursing associate level of practice. Little research has yet considered university perspectives on this new programme.METHODS:
An exploratory qualitative study reported following COREQ criteria. Twenty-seven university staff working with trainee nursing associates in five universities across England were recruited. Data, collected via semi-structured interviews from June to September 2021, were analysed through a combined framework and thematic analysis.RESULTS:
Three themes developed 'Centrality of partnerships' considered partnerships between employers and universities and changing power dynamics. 'Adapting for support' included responding to new requirements and changing pedagogical approaches. 'Negotiating identity' highlighted the university's role in advocacy and helping trainees develop a student identity.CONCLUSIONS:
Nursing associate training in England has changed the dynamics between universities and healthcare employers, shifting learners' identity more to 'employee' rather than 'student'. Universities have adapted to support trainees in meeting academic and professional standards whilst also meeting employer expectations. While challenges remain, the ability of nurse educators to make adjustments, alongside their commitment to quality educational delivery, is helping establish this new training programme and thereby meet government policy initiatives. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY The international movement of apprenticeship models in universities has the potential to change the status of the learner in nursing educational contexts. National policies that encourage this model should ensure that the implications and challenges this change of status brings to learners, employers and education institutions are fully considered prior to their implementation.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate
Type of study:
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
Int Nurs Rev
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United kingdom