Eileen Kelleher

Since an early age I was always knew I wanted a career which involved caring for others. I always felt drawn to a career in nursing however I was never sure what type of nursing I would like to pursue. Having done my transition year work experience in a school that supports children with an intellectual disability, I realised I had a passion for supporting individuals with an intellectual disability. I commenced the BSc (Hons) Intellectual Disability Nursing programme in September 2015 and it was the best decision I have ever made.Intellectual disability nursing is extremely rewarding as it is based on a person-centred approach. Personally, it is hugely rewarding to support individuals with an intellectual disability to lead positive and fulfilling lives whether it is in residential or community settings. The programme in UCC focuses on a combination of learning both clinical and interpersonal skills, which helps the student grow clinically, academically and personally. The support in UCC and while on placement throughout the programme is invaluable. Having commenced my role as an RNID in an acute nursing setting for adults with an intellectual disability in October 2019, I can honestly say I love every minute of my job.

Margaret Monahan

What attracted me to mental health nursing was both a desire to help people along with an interest in mental health. During my first two years of this course I have learnt the importance of helping people by looking at their life as a whole rather than just their mental illness. To do this I have participated in both theory based sessions and a variety of clinical placements. During the theory sessions I have learnt techniques to help and support people during their mental distress. I then had the opportunity to see nurses use these techniques in practice and with supervision to utilise them myself.

During my placements I have had the chance to work with other disciplines of the mental health team such as doctors, social workers, occupational therapists and psychologists. While I value and admire the importance of these roles within the team, for me, there is nothing more rewarding than delivering the frontline holistic care provided by a nurse. Our increasing awareness as a society of mental health issues means that there is a wide range of positions and further training opportunities that through this course will become available to me. Throughout both theory sessions and placement the support and guidance I have received from the lecturers as well as the clinical staff has optimised my learning experiences so I feel prepared and look forward to my future career. I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this course and my wider experiences as a student in UCC. My advice to anybody with an interest in mental health who is considering this course is, to do it, you won’t regret it.

Laura O' Donovan

‘I am a nurse'

Four years ago we walked through the door,
Open minded and ready to explore.
We were excited to begin our new journey,
And that is the start of this story.
We met our class and started making friends,
Hoping and praying they would last till the end.
We stayed quiet not wanting to be a trouble maker,
But really thinking ‘Oh please not another ice breaker?’.
Before long the lectures began,
4 to 6 on a Friday evening? I was not a fan.
Sometimes we couldn’t make it and it felt like a sin,
Saying to a friend ‘c’mere will you swipe me in?’.
Before we knew it exam timetables were printed,
After 3 hour mcqs, out that door we sprinted.
Anatomy, physiology it was all so new,
Leadership and pharmacology to name a few.
Late nights studying without any sleep,
Straight into 9 a.m lectures counting sheep.
Articles, assignments, referencing Harvard style,
Dropping it in the box at G03 with a smile.
Manual handling, fire training and so much more,
Learning about things we had never heard of before.
The vital signs we began to learn,
Each one of us taking our turn .
Blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respirations,
All of this was giving me heart palpitations.
The Bristol stool chart that nobody else understands,
And who knew there were so many steps to washing your hands.
Lunch breaks were spent in Brookfield canteen,
Chatting, laughing and getting our daily dose of caffeine.
Then trying our uniforms on for the very first time,
And looking in the mirror thinking wow don’t I look fine?.
Our very first placement we didn’t know what to think,
Chasing our preceptor, barely having time to blink.
As we continued to learn we got into the swing,
Keeping up with everyone and everything.
Looking up to staff nurses wondering will I ever be that good,
But here we are now we always knew we could.
As we continued to listen, learn and grow,
The true values of a nurse began to show.
In good times and bad we are compassionate and caring,
Sometimes holding our tongues to stop ourselves from swearing.
We are ambitious, enthusiastic and smart,
Forever working from the heart.
We care for all both young and old,
Always extending a hand to hold.
We smile with joy as a baby takes their first breath,
And wipe away tears during a death.
We advocate for those we care for,
And fight for their rights when they can’t anymore.
We are the friendly face when you are feeling scared,
Always a kind word to be shared.
We are patient, self less and strong,
Supporting and helping each other along.
Going off duty at 8 o’ Clock,
Tired, hungry and ready to drop.
Morning, evening, noon and night,
Doing it all again, making sure everyone is alright.
Blood, sweat and tears all in one day,
But we wouldn’t have it any other way.
We may not have diamonds or millions in our purse,
But we are true heroes because we can say

‘I am a nurse’.