THE NHS Trust that manages Okehampton and Moretonhampstead hospitals is offering nurses a unique opportunity to develop their skills across its wide range of services.

Under a new initiative, nurses joining the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust will have the option of working in an area of specialty, or across its portfolio of services.

The move is part of a summer recruitment campaign aimed at Band 5 nurses both locally and nationally. It comes just over a year after the trust's services in the north of the county merged with those in the east, which transferred from NHS Devon.

Bev Cox, assistant director of nursing is leading the campaign. She said: 'With this integration of acute and community services, we are very different to other NHS Trusts and are now in a position to realise the potential this serves up for nursing staff.

'We can offer a wide range of opportunities and a strong commitment to continued development. With a highly-skilled and flexible workforce, we can ensure patients continue to receive high-quality care.'

The Trust is on the hunt for experienced Band 5 nurses seeking a new challenge, those looking to return to practice, and students due to qualify in the autumn of 2012.

Nurses interested in joining are invited to open days at Honiton Hospital this Saturday, July 7, and North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple on Thursday, July 12.

Candidates can meet representatives from a variety of nursing teams, learn about the development opportunities on offer, and potentially have an interview.

Trust staff will also be attending recruitment events across the country.

Mrs Cox said: 'We want to put Devon on the map as a great place for nurses to work, and this is an exciting time to join us because we are set to become a Foundation Trust next year.'

For more information visit the trust website at http://www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk">www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk

Alternatively, call Marion Young on 01392 356907 or Janine Royle on 01271 314054.