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The Open University celebrates International Nurses Day

The Open University celebrates International Nurses Day

Posted on 12 May 2025 • University news

Vector illustration of two nurses wearing a medical mask and hat

Today (12^th May) marks International Nurses Day and to celebrate, we have shared the stories of some of the incredible nursing students and staff in the OU community who have dedicated their careers to helping others.

Mairi-Claire Davidson from the Outer Hebrides, gained her first-class honours Bachelor of Science Nursing (Adult) degree, through studying with the OU and working at Barra’s St Brendan’s Hospital.

The mother of two was working as a band three healthcare assistant when she learned about The Open University nursing qualification through a colleague.

She said:

“One of the nurses I work with completed her training with the OU when the course first became available in Scotland, so I’ve looked up to her, knowing it could be done!

I wouldn’t have ever uprooted my family and left the island to attend a mainland campus university to pursue my nursing career, so without the OU learning option, I’d never have been able to become a nurse.

It has meant the world to me completing my course and registering as a nurse. Nursing really is a special vocation, and I feel really privileged to work as a nurse.

I met some of the loveliest nurses during my placements too who inspired me. I’ll always look back on my time with them and strive to deliver high-quality care in the same way they had. They really led by example.”

My advice to anyone thinking about starting their training with the OU would be not to delay it, grab the opportunity with both hands and go for it.

It is a brilliant pathway with so much flexibility and the four years fly in!”

Read Mairi-Claire’s full story here

Melanie Stray is an Associate Lecturer at The Open University who began her nursing career as an OU student.

Having come full circle, she is a passionate advocate of nursing as a career and of the opportunities the OU offers.

Melanie said:

“I had always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but I was one of three and my mum was a single parent and I had undiagnosed dyslexia, so I assumed my dream was out of reach.”

“It wasn’t until I was working at a local hospital that I learnt of a pilot scheme that offered the chance for eight people to complete their nursing training through the OU. I leapt at the chance, applied, and got a place”

“I was given a network of support, including mentor from the hospital and a practice tutor from the OU. The flexibility of OU study suited me really well because it meant I could still be there for my children.

After four years I successfully passed my Diploma in Adult Nursing, and I became a Band 5 on the NMC register. I started work on the cardiac care unit at QA Hospital in Portsmouth.

My dream had come true, and it was all thanks to The Open University.

Over time, my love for nursing grew. I developed this new love of teaching new students within the clinical area, especially those who were still training.

I applied to do my degree in nursing leadership through the Open University, which I successfully completed in 2013.

Even though I am no longer working in the clinical sector, I can use my years of knowledge and experience to help, support and guide my students that I tutor through their courses and mentor them through their challenging days. Due to my own journey, I can empathise, listen, mentor, and do whatever I can, to help them through.

I give thanks to the OU and its values. I am a true advocate of the OU and would encourage anybody who dreams of becoming a nurse (or any other profession) to choose The Open University.”