2004 IRISH SCIENTIST YEAR BOOK

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Institute of Technology, Tralee
Gary Brown
Nursing is thriving in the Kingdom . . . . . .


Getting some practical experience on the wards

2002 saw major national changes in the provision of nurse education, and Kerry was no exception. Two years on, staff within the Department of Nursing & Health Care Studies at the Institute of Technology, Tralee, are enjoying the challenges and opportunities associated with the provision of undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programmes. 2004 sees the final year of the undergraduate diploma registration course, with 94 students due to qualify. The majority of these students are electing to continue their studies on a day release full time BSc in Nursing (ACCS) course run over one academic year.

Members of this group participated in the making of a highly innovative and student-centred video entitled 'Making a Difference � becoming a nurse in Tralee'. The official launch took place in the presence of the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Miche�l Martin, T.D., who commended those involved. The video can be viewed from the ITT's website, or it is available from careers guidance teachers throughout West Munster.


The Minister for Health and Children, Mr Miche�l Martin, T.D., with student nurses at the launch of the video "Making a Difference � becoming a nurse in Tralee'

The first and second years of the undergraduate BSc registration programme have both psychiatric and general nursing students. There are 167 students in total. The students are enjoying the courses and, in particular, the variety of sites for clinical placements. They will have had the summer to travel, work and reflect ready for their next year. The third year of the programme sees the beginning of a year's rostered placement, during which they are paid 80% of a first year staff nurse salary. The psychiatric nursing programme has been greatly assisted by two lecturers from the University of Teesside, with which the Department has formal links.

Demand for post registration courses continues, with close to 200 nurses studying on the ACCS Diploma/BSc in Nursing pathway. Over 40 registered nurses will graduate in October with their BSc in Nursing. The Department has a curriculum development group whose remit is to explore the provision of postgraduate education. A recent feasibility study demonstrates strong interest in postgraduate study and specialist qualifications.

The MA in Advanced Health & Social Care, in partnership with the University of Teesside, is in its second year and current students are undertaking exciting change projects using action research methodologies. Examples of research include intravenous cannulation of neonatal infants, conscious sedation of Accident & Emergency patients, and prevention of relapse in patients with schizophrenia.

The Department has been proactive in encouraging research initiatives, and recently formed the Nursing, Health and Social Care Research Unit. Research projects are already underway � such as an ethnographic study of the nurses' strike, and evaluation of clinical skills assessments. Another development involved the creation of Research DINAMO (Database for Irish Nurses and Midwives Online). It is now live and accessible via the ITT website. These are exciting times for the Department as it prepares to move into the Solas Centre (Clinical Studies Building) in the North Campus � a purpose-built state-of-the-art facility where all nursing programmes and staff will be housed.

We are always available to talk to interested students at all levels, and have set up partnership links with most second level schools in the county � so please do not hesitate to contact us at the Institute of Technology, Tralee. We look forward to hearing from you and outlining the endless possibilities that a career in nursing has to offer.



Contact: Dr Gary Brown and Staff, Department of Nursing and Health Care Studies, Institute of Technology, Tralee;
Tel: 066 7145600; E-mail: [email protected]