Paving a Unique Career in Mental Health Nursing

Keane Ryan, inspired by his father, a mental health nurse, chose to study Mental Health Nursing at ATU Donegal.

“I loved the programme as it was 50/50 theory and placement. The variety of placements gave me insight into different roles and equipped me for the world of work”, says Keane.

After graduation, Keane worked in an acute psychiatric setting in Donegal Mental Health Services. During this time, he noticed a correlation between people with mental health issues and poor physical health. Keane wanted to help address this, and he embarked on a ‘Masters in Exercise Physiology & its Application in Therapy’ to help build physical exercise into mental health services.

Keane is now a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Physical Health and delivers lifestyle intervention clinics, a service which has since won numerous awards for the service it provides to mental health services.

“The best thing about a degree in nursing is that you get a science degree and that opens a world of opportunities. It doesn’t mean that you must stick to one career path. I wanted to do something unique, and it worked”, encouraged Keane.

If you would like to find out more about the BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing, visit www.atu.ie/AU381

“I was always interested in studying nursing, as I have a keen interest in biology and how the body works. I love the skills side of nursing and I also like that you can approach the skills in different ways. At the beginning, I was overwhelmed with all the technical terms, but I learned quickly and with placements, I got to apply what I learned in class. Every day is a learning day.”

“I had several placements over the past three years including placements in Orthopaedics, Medical Rehab, Endoscopy Day Services, Paediatrics, NowDoc, Maternity, Mental Health, Public Health and Ambulance. This wide variety of placements let me experience different healthcare settings and services. I had insight into documentation, medication, and best practice across each service.” f you would like to find out more about BSc (Hons) in General Nursing, visit www.atu.ie/AU380

“This year, in my third year of study, I took the opportunity to complete an Erasmus placement abroad. I spent eight weeks in France on placement, in three different settings - the main hospital, a nursing home and in an emergency department. It was great to have the chance to see different working practices and experience working in another country. I saw first-hand the French E-health system”, says Claire.

Nursing students at ATU are supported with grants for travel and accommodation when studying an Erasmus programme abroad. Claire is delighted to have completed the placement abroad as she was interested to see if working abroad was an avenue she would like to explore after graduation.

Claire has been involved in different initiatives throughout her time at ATU. She organised fellow students to meet with students from Worchester College in America as part of a project with her lecturer Breda Mulgrew. She hopes to go over to America next year to see their system in action along with the nursing department. Claire also arranged a collection for the shoe box appeal in second year on behalf of the nursing department which was very successful. Claire is also a class rep and in this role gets to support her fellow students.

In her spare time, Claire does agency work and works in Letterkenny University Hospital providing one to one care and enhanced care to patients as a care assistant. “This gives me the chance to gain experience in complex care until I graduate as a nurse. I think it’s important to see and experience different situations and working practices to prepare myself for working as a nurse”, says Claire.

“I’m not sure exactly what path I will take after graduation. I change my mind all the time. The good thing about a nursing degree is that it opens so many doors of opportunity. I will aim to work in as many different settings as possible to see what I enjoy”, concludes Claire.

When William embarked on his third level journey, he never expected to study law. William chose to study in Donegal because he found that living closer to home allowed him to take up a part-time job in a solicitor’s office which also gave him work experience related to his degree. William immediately settled into university life at ATU. He loves the independence that university provides and has made lots of new friends. William soon became a wellknown personality around the Letterkenny campus. He has been an active member of various clubs and societies and for the past two years has been Secretary for the Law Society. William organised various guest speakers to inspire and motivate himself and his classmates. Furthermore, himself and fellow student Pierce Butler (President of the Law Society) organised trips to Kings Inn, Four Courts, House of Oireachtas, Letterkenny Courthouse, Lifford Courthouse, a prison among various other trips.

ATU Donegal Letterkenny ATU Donegal Killybegs

Donegal is one of the most affordable regions to live, work and travel around. The cost of living is considerably lower than the national average and the region offers a variety of affordable student accommodation. There is no on-campus accommodation, however, there are options for digs, houses to rent on a shared basis, and in Letterkenny there are also a number of apartment complexes built specifically for the student market. Both campuses are quite central and most accommodation is within 10 minutes’ walk of each of the campuses. Each year, the Students’ Union (SU) compiles and updates a list of student accommodation. The list is sent out automatically to students who receive an offer from ATU Donegal and is also available online from early August of each year. Students are advised to begin the accommodation search early as demand can be high. For more information visit: https://atusudonegal.ie/accommodation/

European placement a big success for Leah

The Letterkenny campus is in the heart of Letterkenny town centre. Letterkenny is a lively town, offering excellent shopping, a vibrant nightlife and great opportunities for part-time work, sport, culture and fun. There are plenty of much-loved student haunts such as pubs, music venues, nightclubs and restaurants. In addition, you’ll find an 8-screen cinema and the Aura Leisure Complex, which houses a 25m pool, tartan track and gym. For arts and cultural enthusiasts there is the Arena 7 Entertainment Complex, An Grianán and a Regional Cultural Centre which incorporates an art gallery, an auditorium and full cinema facilities.

The Killybegs campus is located in Ireland’s premier fishing port which is rich in tradition and heritage. Its picturesque location boasts spectacular scenery and harbour views. This is perhaps the most scenic campus in Ireland, surrounded by breath-taking beaches and close to Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs –Sliabh Liag. Students experience small class sizes and a personal approach to learning in a comfortable and welcoming setting. The campus has an impressive reputation for delivering exceptional academic programmes in culinary arts, hospitality and tourism.

The BSc (Hons) in Food Science & Nutrition programme introduced a four-month work placement to the degree programme in September 2022. Leah Michaelides, a third-year student in the Food Science & Nutrition programme jumped at the opportunity to go abroad on the work placement. Leah became the first student from this programme, to undertake a European placement and was based in Lisbon, Portugal from February to May working as a Nutritional Researcher with the company, Nurservicio. During her time on placement, she was given weekly briefs in the role, and undertook projects which included developing a nutrition plan for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

If you would like to find out more about the BSc (Hons) in Food Science & Nutrition, visit www.atu.ie/AU370