A CAMPAIGN has been launched to recruit community nurses across Mid and East Devon.

The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust is looking to bolster its community teams with experienced nurses seeking a new challenge, those looking to return to practice and recently-qualified students.

There are also opportunities to work in community hospitals and the trust’s out-of-hours team.

The aim is to recruit about 20 'band 5' nurses in the trust’s eastern area, which covers Exeter, Mid and East Devon and the fringes of Dartmoor.

Carolyn Mills, the trust's director of nursing, said: “Most people prefer to be cared for independently in their own home than in a hospital, and healthcare is developing to reflect this.

“Across Devon, our community nurses care for between 5,000 and 6,000 patients in their own home at any one time.

“Our new recruits will help us build on our success at preventing admissions to hospital and, when this is not possible, facilitating an early return home.”

Tina Naldrett, the trust’s assistant director of nursing, who oversees the eastern patch, added: “Community nursing is a very rewarding job and we can offer a wide range of opportunities plus a strong commitment to continued development.

“We manage a number of successful projects in the community and at hospitals in our eastern patch.

“These positions will bolster our multi-skilled workforce and ensure patients continue to receive care of the highest quality.”

Opportunities for recruitment are currently available in Crediton, Tiverton, Axminster, Budleigh Salterton, Exeter, Exmouth, Honiton, Moretonhampstead, Okehampton, Ottery St Mary, Seaton and Sidmouth.

Nurses interested in joining can apply via the NHS jobs website before the deadline of Thursday, January 17.