First nurses embark on pioneering new Exeter programme

Thirty pioneering student nurses are starting out on the four-year journey, which aims to develop outstanding future nursing leaders.

The structure and ambition of the programme reflects the University of Exeter’s commitment to developing the future of nursing. The course has been developed in collaboration with patients, members of the public, and with nurses from Devon Partnership NHS Trust, and Northern Devon, the Royal Devon and Exeter, the Torbay and South Devon NHS Trusts.

Professor David Richards, Head of Nursing at the University of Exeter, said: “Our NHS has been asking us to educate new nursing leaders. Our University of Exeter students are destined to become those leaders. They are already pioneers. Their education here at Exeter and with our NHS partners will teach them to deliver the highest quality, science-based, patient-centred, fundamental physical and mental health nursing care possible These are the behaviours that define the ‘Exeter Nurse’. This is, after all the standard of care everyone expects when we or our loved ones need a nurse.”

Nursing student Jess Speed, 24, from Bridgwater in Somerset, said she was “excited and motivated” to start the new programme. “It’s brilliant to be among the first intake, as we’ll be able to play a role in how the programme develops. It’s the future of nursing.”

Fellow student Hayley Rich, 28, from Cullompton, said she was motivated to go into nursing after experiencing care within her family. “I’ve seen where nursing can be fantastic and also where there’s room for improvement. I’m excited to contribute to that positive change.”

Exeter’s programme is unique. Its six ‘pillars’ ensure that patients and the public are always involved in nursing care. Mental and physical health are fully integrated throughout the programme: ‘no health without mental health’ is a core principle at Exeter. Students learn and emphasise the fundamental essentials of nursing care, and they are taught scientific thinking from day one.

Alison Marchbank, Senior Lecturer on the programme, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have recruited future nurses of such high calibre. Students are the future of our profession and our students are schooled from the outset in leadership skills so that they understand and will practice nursing in its true global trans-cultural context. Welcome to the University of Exeter and the start of an exciting life-long journey!”

Em Wilkinson-Brice, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Nurse at the RD&E, said: “We are delighted to work in partnership as Trusts and with the University to welcome the first cohort of nursing students. The six ‘pillars’ of nursing in this programme are designed to create excellent nurses and future nursing leaders and we are excited to see these students develop. These students are training to enter one of the most wonderful professions and I wish them every success.”

Director of Nursing and Practice at Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Chris Burford, says:  “All of the evidence tells us that our physical and mental health and wellbeing are inextricably linked – we have to look after both of them if we are to stay fit and well. This new course truly represents a major milestone.  Until now, nurses have trained in either physical health or mental health.  This masters programme will train and equip nurse leaders of the future who are dual-qualified in physical and mental health nursing.  It is a huge, pioneering step forward and I very much hope that it signifies the direction of travel for the training of all tomorrow’s nurses.”

Jane Viner, Chief Nurse at Torbay and South Devon and NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are proud our nurses are taking part in this new course in conjunction with Exeter University Academy of Nursing.  The Exeter University Masters Programme brings together the art, science and the spirit of nursing to enable future nurses to continue the strong nursing tradition of thinking about the person, the family and the community in a holistic way.  This program will enable us to build on this firm foundation through innovation in pursuit of the best quality nursing in health and social care.

Nurses are valued highly by society for their frontline care and core values, but they also have to have technical skill, management acumen and expert knowledge. Nursing has always moved with the times and we are now innovating in the fields of digitally enhanced care and genomics. As ever, nurses will be at the cutting edge of care and the Exeter Academy will ensure future nurses have the knowledge, skill and confidence to lead the way.”

Darryn Allcorn, chief nurse at Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “This new Masters programme is a really exciting opportunity for students who not only have a passion for nursing, but who also want to be the leaders that drive change in the future. The programme reflects the core aim of our nursing workforce in North Devon – to deliver nursing excellence to every patient, every time – and we’ve got a warm welcome ready for the students who come to North Devon on placement.”

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