A local nursing graduate has been awarded the Hywel Dda Outstanding Achievement Award for outstanding performance in clinical Practice.

Kirsty Davies, aged 21 of Llwyncelyn, Cilgerran, recently graduated from Swansea University with a nursing degree, and was nominated for the health board’s top award by her mentor and ward sister during her last clinical placement at Glangwili hospital.

Kirsty said: “It’s the icing on the cake to be honest.

“I always wanted to pursue a degree in nursing from a young age. I wanted to do something challenging, interesting and make an impact on someone’s life and wellbeing on a daily basis. “Nursing is a career with a huge range of opportunities for anyone with a passion to make a difference.”

The 21 year-old is now working on a ward specialising in diabetic treatment at Glanwilli.

She added: I’m just thankful to have this job.

“I hope to explore the career path I am going down and take every opportunity that arises.

“Nursing is such a diverse and constantly changing career. It never gets boring and it’s so exciting to think that you can travel worldwide with a career like this. The world is now my oyster, and I’m so excited to see what the future brings.”

Kirsty’s mentor said her student had many outstanding qualities, and a real desire to go the extra mile to share her knowledge with others.

She added: “Kirsty has the ability to always remain professional, positive and enthusiastic even when things around her may be difficult.

“She has an assertive confidence as an excellent team player and she has shown exceptional patience, care and compassion towards patients and their families during some very difficult circumstances.”