Two of our Student Ambassadors recently shared their stories on Shannonside/ Northern Sound FM and Cork 96 FM. 

Isabella De Souza, a third-year nursing student at Technological University of the Shannon spoke with Joe Finnegan on Shannonside/Northern Sound FM about how her decision to train as a nurse was inspired by the loss of her grandmother during the Covid-19 pandemic. Isabella, who is due to qualify in October 2027, said nursing is driven by compassion and “is about listening, advocating and building trust with patients”. 

Isabella spoke about the many positives within the health service and the dedication of its workforce. She also highlighted the vital contribution of internationally trained staff, saying patients respond to kindness and competence regardless of a caregiver’s background. 

In her interview, she encouraged others with a passion for care to consider nursing as a rewarding career. 

As a Student Ambassador, Isabella has visited colleges and engaged with prospective students to promote nursing careers. 

Separately, Aryth Stryker-Ruxton, a third-year midwifery student at University College Cork, spoke with PJ Coogan on Cork 96FM. 

She shared her journey from Canada to study midwifery after being accepted by UCC and with the support of her family. She said the decision to become a midwife came from a longstanding interest in maternal care sparked by family stories and the portrayal of midwifery in a television drama series. 

Aryth highlighted the broad role midwives play, from antenatal advice to birth preparation and postnatal support. She added that listening and emotional support are central to the job. 

Now as an NMBI ambassador, Aryth meets peers nationwide to discuss professional developments and promote the profession. She qualifies this September and said she plans to remain in Ireland to work and build her career, praising Cork’s landscape and lifestyle as part of her decision to stay. 

We are proud to support Isabella and Aryth, as well as all our Student Ambassadors. Their passion for the professions really shines through. We believe, their stories will inspire our next generation of nurses and midwives.