Born and raised in Cardigan, Ollie has always had strong ties to his community and local area. His journey into nursing began at just 12 years old when he joined St John Ambulance, an experience that would shape the course of his life. Now, over ten years later, Ollie has never looked back.
Oliver says:
Ollie states:
“I now average around 1,500 hours of volunteering every year and I absolutely love it. Through St John, I’ve been all over Wales, covering everything from sporting events at the Principality Stadium (the national stadium of Wales) to concerts and marathons. Last year alone, I worked at concerts for Pink, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and the Foo Fighters. It’s the perfect mix of doing what I love and giving something back.
“In 2022, I became the first cadet in Wales to complete the “Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme” with St John. That was a huge milestone for me, and it’s what led me into nursing. I'd always enjoyed the clinical side of volunteering, and the cadet scheme confirmed that this was the right path.
“I didn’t come from a family of nurses, though my aunt is a midwife - but I’m the first in my immediate family to go into healthcare. Before starting my nursing degree, I worked in retail and briefly with the Welsh Ambulance Service, which added to my experience.
“I’m now studying adult nursing at Aberystwyth University, a course I came across almost by accident. I knew I wanted to stay in Wales and be closer to home, and Aberystwyth seemed like the right fit. I applied, not expecting to get in, and was shocked when I found out I’d been accepted.
“One of the things I love about Aberystwyth’s course is that it’s available partly through the medium of Welsh. Welsh is my main language outside university, and it’s something I use a lot in placements too. Being able to provide care in Welsh, especially in rural areas where many patients speak it as a first language is incredibly important. It’s a skill I’m proud to bring to my training.
“The course is structured with lectures on Mondays and Tuesdays, with clinical skills on Thursdays and Fridays. We train in a converted building that feels like a mini hospital. It has everything from a skills room to practice wards. It’s great to have it right next to our accommodation too.
“On Wednesdays, we have ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’, which is our day off. I usually head home, catch up on work, or take time to go walking along the coast. Living near the sea, I’ve made the most of it. I even walked the entire Pembrokeshire Coastal Path one weekend, which was painful, but worth it
“Placement-wise, I feel I’ve been very lucky. My first placement was in the community with the Acute Response Team across Pembrokeshire, which really showed me the challenges of delivering care in rural settings as you are driving down winding backroads, visiting patients who may not have regular transport, and get to see firsthand how important it is to bring healthcare to them.
“My second placement was in the Accident & Emergency Unit at Withybush Hospital, and I absolutely loved it. I thrive in busy, high-pressure environments and felt completely at home. I’ve just started my third placement, on the stroke and rehab ward, which I feel will offer a different kind of experience and be slower-paced, but just as rewarding.
“But being a student nurse isn’t without its challenges. Placement travel can be tough with some students posted to remote areas, and accommodation isn’t always nearby. Even when it is, getting to the hospital can mean detours and long walks at 7 a.m. But we manage.
“The support I receive at university has made a big difference. My personal tutor has been amazing, and the staff are approachable and understanding. I’m also one of the student reps, which means I help raise issues on behalf of my course cohort.
“Looking to the future, I have a few goals in mind. I’d love to work in A&E or critical care for a few years, then possibly do a masters in advanced clinical practice. My long-term dream is to work for the Wales Air Ambulance. It’s ambitious and I know it’ll take years, but I’ve met nurses doing it right now, so I know it’s achievable.
“As a male nurse in a female-dominated profession, I know I’m in the minority, but I see that as a strength. In placements, especially A&E, I’ve had amazing mentors, including doctors who’ve taken the time to support me and shape my approach. I’d love to be that role model for other men thinking about a career in nursing.
“If I had one piece of advice, it would be this: just go for it! Studying nursing in Wales has been the best decision I’ve ever made. You’ll get to train in beautiful places, learn from brilliant people, and be part of something meaningful. Whether you’re from a rural village or a city, there’s a place for you here, and plenty of opportunity to grow and develop.”