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HCAs and APs

Nursing Support Workers

Nursing support workers (NSWs) are the bedrock of our wards, clinics and community teams working with everyone from children to adults in all aspects of physical and mental health.

The term ’nursing support worker’ encompasses hundreds of different job titles and roles, including health care assistants (HCAs), health care support workers (HCSWs), assistant practitioners (APs), maternity support workers (MSWs), nursing assistants, trainee nursing associates (TNA) and nursing associates (NAs) (England).

The RCN provides support, guidance and resources for all members of the nursing team. We understand your needs better than anyone else, whether you aspire to develop your career or remain in your support role. We’re here every step of the way to support your professional development, helping you to deliver the best care to your patients and residents.

Nurse in care home with patient

Join the RCN

Become part of the thriving nursing support workforce membership community. Join and discover your member benefits today.

What can the RCN do for you?

Ofrah Muflahi - Professional Lead, Nursing Support Workers, talks about some of the support the RCN can offer you.

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First Steps - the learning tool for assisting nursing practice

First Steps

First Steps covers the key factors that will get you started in your health care career as a health care assistant.
Facebook

Open to RCN members. Join the group now.
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Nursing Support Workers Day

On 23 November we celebrate the nursing support workforce.

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RCN Magazine

Read clinical, advice, wellbeing, career and other features for nursing support workers in RCN Magazine.
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Accountability and Delegation Guide

All members of the nursing team can access our online resource.

Forum Library Subject Guide

HCAs, APs and TNAs subject guide

Take a look at this RCN subject guide to find the latest resources, including books, reports and journal articles.