Why I'm Launching This Petition

My name is Martyn Davey, and I’ve been a qualified Nursing Associate for 6 years. I was among the first to complete the training and join the NMC register when the role was introduced to strengthen the NHS workforce.

Since then, I’ve worked in general practice, mental health, and long-term condition support — but I’ve also seen too many skilled, compassionate Nursing Associates leave the NHS. Not because they wanted to, but because they felt ignored, misused, or forced into roles that didn’t reflect their training.

This campaign is personal to me.
Through my platform Just a Sharp Scratch, I’ve spoken to Nursing Associates across the UK — and the message is clear:
We feel invisible, and things are getting worse.

---

The Problem

Nursing Associates were created to bridge the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses. We’re trained over two years as Student Nursing Associates (SNAs), regulated by the NMC, and deliver essential care in a wide range of healthcare settings.

Yet across the NHS:

Many Nursing Associates can’t find jobs after qualifying

Some are still treated like unregistered staff

Others are pressured to “top up” to Registered Nurse, even when that’s not their goal

There’s no national career pathway to progress within the role

And many colleagues still don’t understand what a Nursing Associate actually is

 

---

The Facts

Over 7,000 Nursing Associates have qualified since the role launched in 2019

In some Trusts, fewer than 1 in 3 SNAs move into NA roles after qualifying

The NHS loses hundreds of qualified NAs each year due to poor support and misuse of the role

NHS workforce plans often focus on Registered Nurses — and rarely mention NAs

 

---

What We’re Hearing

> “I qualified and couldn’t find a single Nursing Associate job. I had to go back to my HCA role just to pay the bills.”
— NA, Midlands

 

> “We trained hard, we’re registered professionals — yet I still get told I’m ‘not really a nurse’.”
— NA, North West

 

> “I love being an NA, but there’s nowhere for me to go next. No pathway, no progression, just pressure to top-up.”
— NA, South East

 

> “In one Trust I was leading clinics. In the next, I wasn’t even allowed to take observations.”
— NA, South West

 

---

What We’re Asking For

We are calling on NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and healthcare leaders to:

1. Provide national recognition and clarity on the Nursing Associate role

2. Create sustainable, clearly defined NA jobs across the NHS

3. Develop structured career pathways for NAs

4. Ensure consistent, safe use of the role in every setting

 

---

This is about more than job titles — it’s about patient care.
Every signature helps us be heard.
Please sign and share this petition today.