The nursing associate (NA) role, introduced in England in 2019, was initially designed to bridge the gap between healthcare assistants and nurses and widen access to a career in healthcare while helping to address workforce shortages. The literature suggests that there has been a shift in perceptions, with many now viewing the NA role as an alternative route to becoming a nurse rather than as a profession in its own right. However, if a substantial proportion of NAs choose to become nurses, the original purposes of the role can no longer be achieved. This article discusses the evolving role of NAs, highlighting research findings on aspirations, professional identity, recognition, integration and possible exploitation. The authors stress the importance of clarifying role boundaries, integrating and supporting NAs in the healthcare team, and providing them with opportunities to develop professionally within their role so that progression to registered nurse status is not their only career perspective.