Class of 2025: Wainwright nursing student sees huge value in rural route degree

Before moving to Wainwright at age of 12, Ethan Weeks grew up in Consort, Alberta, a village of about 700 people. 

A fascination with neurology drew him to medicine. As he got older, Weeks realized that while studying the brain was interesting, he wanted a career that allowed him to help more people in a more direct, hands-on way.

That desire to care for others has deep roots in his upbringing. His father is a veterinarian and his mother is a psychiatric nurse, both professions centred around compassion and service.

"My dad has always been on call. He remembers every animal and every client. And my mom, people I meet at school would come up to me and say how much she helped them, even if it was just at the hockey rink. That kind of compassion really stuck with me," says Weeks.

• Read more profiles of amazing Class of 2025 graduates 

“I’m allergic to basically anything with hair; cats, dogs, horses. My eyes swell shut, I get hives. So veterinary medicine wasn’t really an option long-term,” he jokes.

Weeks is among the first cohort of Wainwright students to complete their UCalgary Bachelor of Nursing through the Rural Community Route. On April 30, six students were celebrated by their community and program partners; Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Nursing, in Wainwright. We asked Weeks to share more about his experience in the UCalgary Nursing Rural Community Route program with us. 

What made you want to choose nursing?

“I’ve always been interested in medicine, even from a young age. In high school, I played hockey and often found myself helping out when teammates got injured. That hands-on, supportive role really stuck with me. I realized I wanted a career where I could be there for people in their toughest moments and nursing felt like the right path.”

 

Why did you choose UCalgary for your nursing education?

“UCalgary stood out because of its rural nursing program. The opportunity to study through a well-established university without having to move to a big city was huge for me. It offered the credibility of a UCalgary degree with the comfort and convenience of staying in my community.”

Was studying in Wainwright versus Calgary a major factor in your decision?

“Absolutely, it was a key factor. Being able to live at home helped with the financial side, but more importantly, the smaller class sizes and personalized learning environment were incredible. You really get to know your instructors and preceptors and they get to know you. I don’t think I would have had that same level of connection in a bigger city setting.”

Any particular memories that stand out during your time in the program?

“One that stands out is working closely with the hospital team here during my clinical placements. There’s a strong sense of trust and mentorship; you feel like a valued part of the team, not just a student passing through.”

What made studying nursing in Wainwright specifically unique?

“The community. In Wainwright, you’re not just another face. Patients and staff know you and you build genuine relationships. You get exposure to a bit of everything because rural hospitals handle a wide range of situations. It’s a fantastic way to learn.”

If you could go back in time, what would you say to your first-year self about nursing?

“I’d tell myself to be confident and open to learning from every experience, even the tough ones. Nursing is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Stick with it, it’s worth it.”

What's next for you after graduation?

“I’m looking forward to starting my career and continuing to work in rural health care. This program has given me a strong foundation and I feel ready to take the next step.”

Any advice for new grads or current nursing students?

“Take every opportunity to learn and ask questions. Build relationships with your instructors and mentors, they want to see you succeed. And take care of yourself too; nursing can be intense, so don’t forget to recharge.”