Studying Nursing Degree through OU whilst working

I didn't know the OU did nursing courses - I had presumed they didn't because of the need for regular tutorials and face-to-face support from personal tutors.  But I'm wrong because they do!  I just took a look on their website and they don't allow you to self-fund so you will have to be sponsored by your employer.  

I wouldn't worry too much about your hospital finding out that you'd like to do your full training.  You'd be surprised at how encouraging they'd be...although I imagine they'd want you to work for them for a while before discussing training.  Then, of course, economics means that hospitals are quite short of money to sponsor embers of staff to train.

What is it about the OU that attracts you apart from the money?  There are various bursaries available for student nurses, depending on your age and any dependents you may have.  You will also have time to work part-time.  If things do get tough financially, you can always take a year off and work to save up money.  You will have 5 years to complete your 3 years of training from the date you start.  So in theory you could study for Year 1, take the next year out to work, complete 2nd year, take a year off and work, and then study for Year 3.  This will not do your future career prospects ANY harm so it's worth serious consideration.

Your current area of work won't have ANY negative impact upon your application.  Don't forget that the vast majority of student nurses arrive straight from school aged 18 without any experience of hospital work.  So your application will come with a major built-in advantage.