A Nursing student from St Austell will help shape the future of national Nursing training having been appointed Student Ambassador at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
Eighteen-year-old Olivia is studying BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing at the University Centre Truro & Penwith and will now advocate for the needs of student Nurses across Cornwall on the national stage, ensuring Cornwall’s voice is heard while contributing to the advancement of Nursing Education across the UK.
Olivia is in the first year of her qualification and has shown great tenacity after being diagnosed with dyslexia, receiving support from the University Centre Truro & Penwith to enjoy a fantastic start to her studies alongside her career at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
She is expected to bring a fresh perspective and a passion for student Nursing advocacy to this significant national role.
The RCN is a trade union and professional body for Nurses. Olivia’s primary responsibilities include offering support and guidance to her peers. She has access to a wealth of resources and services that she can share with students, ensuring health and well-being remains a top priority alongside their challenging and rewarding careers.
Olivia is committed to providing feedback from student Nurses and initiating positive change nationally while serving as a role model for student Nurses.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the appointment, Olivia commented: “I am incredibly honoured to be chosen as the Royal College of Nursing Student Ambassador for Cornwall. It’s a role that allows me to use my voice to advocate for the needs of Nursing students and contribute to the advancement of Nursing education in our region.”
In addition to her new role, Olivia serves as a student representative for her cohort of Nursing Students at the University Centre Truro & Penwith. Recently attending the Governor’s Conference, where she had the opportunity to provide feedback and showcase her dedication to improving the student experience. Attending conferences will also be a part of Olivia’s RCN role, where she will provide feedback from students directly from their placement experiences.
It was during a night shift at the hospital that Olivia first learned about the opportunity to become an advocate for her fellow students. Driven by her desire to help others and armed with confidence in speaking out, Olivia seized the chance during a break at the end of a long shift to apply for the position and was delighted to find out shortly after that she was successful.
Tamzin Irvin, Programme Team Leader for Nursing and Allied Health at the University Centre said:
“The team at the University Centre were delighted to hear the news that Olivia was appointed Student Ambassador for the Royal College of Nursing and are proud to have played a role in providing an environment where students like Olivia can thrive.”
Olivia attributes much of her confidence to the personal support she receives at University Centre Truro & Penwith. Before starting her degree, Olivia was unaware that she had dyslexia and after a test was arranged, she received a diagnosis. With the support measures now in place, she is thriving both in her studies and personally. Olivia particularly commends her Nursing lecturers, describing them as “incredible role models” who have played a pivotal role in her academic success.
Olivia’s aspirations extend beyond her current studies, with plans to progress to a Master’s Degree with the hope of gaining a more diverse range of experience before preceptorship, when she becomes a newly registered Nursing professional.
Find out more about getting into Nursing in Cornwall with the University Centre Truro & Penwith.
