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Data were thematically analysed, resulting in four themes: Theory into practice, Not my responsibility, Preparedness, and Finding the balance. Findings: NA training was praised for its hands-on approach, aiding practical application of theoretical knowledge. However, short placements limited skill development, and balancing clinical hours with written tasks caused stress. Trainee NAs often lacked protected learning time, leading to feelings of exploitation; they performed tasks outside their defined scope, both during and after training. Conclusion: Clearer role definitions, good support and protected learning time are essential to improve NA effectiveness and wellbeing.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.12968\/bjon.2025.0098","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,1,23]],"date-time":"2026-01-23T16:58:04Z","timestamp":1769187484000},"page":"48-54","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Nursing associates' experiences of education and practice in mental health and learning disability settings"],"prefix":"10.12968","volume":"35","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-7161-5596","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Emma Victoria","family":"Shiel","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"previously at the University of Huddersfield, now Researcher, Mental Health Research Group, Department of Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work, University of Manchester"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Neil","family":"Brimblecombe","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, London South Bank University"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Megan","family":"Downes","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Postgraduate researcher, Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Steve","family":"Hemingway","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Senior Lecturer, Department of Nursing\/Centre for Health and Social Care Research, University of Huddersfield"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"5130","reference":[{"issue":"1","key":"e_1_3_2_1_1","first-page":"35","article-title":"Pioneering new roles in healthcare: nursing associate students' experiences of work-based learning in the United Kingdom","volume":"9","author":"Attenborough J","year":"2020","unstructured":"Attenborough J, Abbott S, Brook J, Knight RA. 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