A UNIQUE nursing programme with home study and guaranteed placements is being offered thanks to a partnership between the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and the Open University.

Since launching its award-winning programme, 18 people are studying for an adult nursing degree through the partnership, with 16 people waiting to begin their studies in February.

And now the Trust is looking for its class of 2029.

People will be able to study from home without the need to commute to university, and we will guarantee all clinical placements across our acute and community settings.

This innovative approach to studying is the perfect opportunity for anyone who’s ever considered nursing or know someone who has, but maybe the time wasn’t right or they didn’t meet the entry criteria.

The project has been so successful that it received a prestigious Nursing Times’ award at a national ceremony in London last week.

Applicants will need a GCSE in maths and English at grade C/4 or equivalent (such as functional skills level 2) to be considered.

People who have completed healthcare-related modules or qualifications at higher education level within the past 10 years (such as a registered nursing associate, assistant practitioner, a Diploma of Higher Education, Higher Apprenticeship or a degree programme), may be able to count that study towards The Open University’s Pre-Registration Nursing Programme, helping to accelerate their path to becoming a Registered Nurse.

You can find out more about the course, entry requirements, funding arrangements and any other questions by talking to Torbay and South Devon’s clinical education team at open days:

• January 9, 6pm to 8pm, Horizon Centre, Torbay Hospital;

• January 10, 10am to midday, Horizon Centre, Torbay Hospital;

• January 27, 6pm to 8pm, online via MS Teams

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Nurse, Nicola McMinn, said: ‘Our nurses are the backbone of our NHS and we’re committed to growing our future nursing and midwifery workforce to ensure we can continue to deliver our promise of better health and care for all.

‘Our partnership with The Open University continues to grow in strength and I am incredibly proud of everyone who has taken their first steps to fulfil their dream by study for a nursing degree with our unique partnership.

‘This is an exciting opportunity for people in Torbay and South Devon to study for their nursing degree without having to commute, meaning they can study alongside any other caring responsibilities you may have.

‘We will also guarantee all of your clinical placements with us, giving you a unique insight into providing care for people in our community.

‘Being a nurse is the best job in the world and I would encourage anyone who has ever dreamt of being a nurse to take their first step towards fulfilling their dream by applying to join our next cohort’.

Applications close on February 10.

Send an email to [email protected], call 01803 656677 or visit Torbay and South Devon’s website for more information.