Former care worker and student nurse wins award after returning to University

A single mother from Treherbert in the Rhondda Fawr valley has won an award for her dedication to her Nursing studies at the University of South Wales (USW).

Kathryn Ace, 32, in her third year of her Adult Nursing degree at USW, was nominated for the annual Mentor’s Choice Award by theatre staff at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, where she has done several work placements during her course.

As mum to two daughters, aged three and five, Kathryn says juggling family life with full-time study has been challenging at times – but she wouldn’t change a thing.

“I want to show my girls that if they work hard enough, they can do anything they set their heart on,” she said.

“My biggest dream is to simply be a good nurse. I am so proud of our NHS, and look forward to being a part of it.”

Kathryn (pictured) initially started training to become a nurse at the age of 19, but felt she was too young to cope with the accountability that came with the role. But 12 years later, after a successful career as a health care support worker, she felt the timing was right to go back to education and continue her studies.

“I absolutely loved my placements at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital; I’m more of a people person and I love patient contact,” she said.

“I’m a big advocate of the holistic approach to patient care, and the counselling aspect of nursing.

“I was so shocked to have even been nominated, let alone win, the Mentor’s Choice award. The theatre staff at RGH were absolutely amazing – from the consultants and anaesthetists to the scrub nurses – so I’ve been so lucky to have learnt from them.”

Maria Parry, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of South Wales, added: “Kathryn is doing really well, both academically and in practice.

“We have had glowing ward reports from the Royal Glamorgan staff, and to win the Mentor’s Choice award is no mean feat.”