North east and Yorkshire (NEY) Nursing Associate Celebration Event

Nursing week took place between 6 – 12 May 2022, with International Day of the Nurse on Thursday 12 May. 2022 also marks five years since the introduction of the first cohort of Trainee Nursing Associates (TNAs). To celebrate these important milestones, our Regional Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery held a Trainee Nursing Associate Celebration and Awards Event in York on International Day of the Nurse. The event marked an opportunity to reflect on the past five years of the role of TNA, thinking about the achievements of current and past TNAs and the contribution they have made to the field of Nursing.

A total of 129 colleagues attended the event, coming from Trusts, higher education institutes, NHS England and Improvement (NHSEI), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), as well as current and recently qualified TNAs.

The event opened with an inspiring speech from Regional Head of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Laura Serrant OBE, followed by a recorded message of thanks to TNAs for working so hard during the pandemic from Health Education England’s Chief Nurse, Mark Radford.

Throughout the day, colleagues heard from various people from across the nursing community, including Sam Donohue, Assistant Director for National and Regional Outreach at the NMC, Lynne Firth and Judith Sephton, both from the University of Sheffield, Regional Workforce Lead (Nursing and Midwifery) Lesley Young, Emma Dawes, Chief Matron Nursing and Midwifery at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and, Sharon Haggerty, Deputy Director of Nursing at NHSEI. Each speaker gave a different perspective on the role of TNA, how they fit into the nursing family and why expanding this role is important. The discussions included ideas on how to adapt to suit the needs of an inter-generational workforce and the varied and impressive career journeys and backgrounds of each speaker. 

Following this, a panel discussion took place to discuss the role of TNA. The panel was made up of current TNAs, recently qualified NAs, and a registered nurse from a variety of healthcare settings including Primary Care, Social Care, Hospice, Neonatal and Private Care. The panel each discussed their career journeys, why they decided on a career in the Nursing profession and the things they enjoy the most about their jobs. Colleagues then had the chance to participate in a Q&A session with the panel, with a lot of insightful discussion taking place, including topics such as interview panels for NA roles, NMC registration, and career development opportunities.

The highlight of the day, however, was in the form of an awards ceremony, recognising the hard work, contribution, and dedication of many involved in the role of Trainee Nursing Associate. The full list of winners were:

• Outstanding Educational Achievement for a TNA: Jamie Barnes, University of Bolton
• Raising the Profile of the NA: Tom Connelly, University of Sheffield
• Rising Star Award: Heather Tilmouth, Teesside University/ St Oswald’s
• Making a Difference: Joanna Hayes, Connect Healthcare Rotherham
• HEE Inspirational Award: Joanna Hayes, Connect Healthcare Rotherham

The event concluded with a live stream to Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May. Ruth thanked all those involved in the nursing profession for their hard work throughout the pandemic and discussed the vital role TNAs play in providing high quality of care for all.