HAMPSHIRE Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust can now make use of six new fully-qualified nurses after they graduated from the Open University.

The trust, which runs a number of hospitals in Hampshire including Basingstoke Hospital, uses regular appraisals to identify potential future nurses from all its healthcare workers. They then get the chance to study for a nursing degree with the OU, while earning money and gaining experience.

Four of the six nurses were able to attend a special ceremony where chief nurse, Donna Green, presented them with a badge to wear on their uniform throughout their entire career.

Donna said: “You’ve made the right choice, because nursing is a fantastic profession. I am very glad that we spotted the potential in you, but you have done the hard work and you should be very proud of yourselves.”

Sarah Burgess has secured a job on Bartlett Ward after working as a healthcare assistant on Wainwright Ward for eight years. 

She said that she has ‘always wanted to be a nurse’ and is glad she did not give up. but was put off the idea when a careers officer at my school doubted my ability. I’m so glad that I didn’t give up.”