Newly-qualified nurses who recently completed their training at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust were celebrated at a special event.
The latest cohort of Open University nurse graduates to train with the Trust were presented with a badge and certificate to celebrate their achievement in becoming registered nurses.
Hampshire Hospitals offers healthcare support workers an opportunity to complete a nurse training degree programme. The four-year course consists of periods of practice learning, theory hours and employment hours.
Karen Russell is a recent nurse graduate who had previously worked at the Trust for 14 years as a healthcare assistant.
She said: “I am honoured to have completed my degree and very thankful to everyone who has supported me. It has been a fantastic opportunity to obtain my qualification while working part-time and looking after my family.
“I am very thankful to Hampshire Hospitals for allowing me to come this far and delighted to be continuing my journey within the Trust as a staff nurse in the Emergency Department.”
Julie Dawes, chief nurse at Hampshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester, said: “It has been lovely to meet with the nurses and hear their stories. They have all come a long way and are a true inspiration.
“I would like to wish our graduate nurses all the best in their careers and look forward to seeing them progress within the Trust.”
