newsletter
SCHOOL OF
Nursing & Midwifery
2016/17
Welcome to the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Trinity College Dublin, the largest and leading School of Nursing and Midwifery in the country. We were delighted recently to be ranked the number one School for Nursing in Ireland and ranked 31st in the world by the QS international rankings system. To achieve such a ranking, well within the top 50 internationally was a testament to the staff’s commitment to quality for all of our students, researchers and visitors within the education and research environment. I hope you find the information on the education programmes, research activities, practice innovations and community initiatives undertaken by staff within the School informative, exciting and challenging. We also had the pleasure recently of announcing our School’s Strategic Plan, within which we have adopted an over-arching goal to be, ‘A School of Global Consequence’. We are placing an emphasis on the student and academic experience across our undergraduate, postgraduate, international, research, practice and community engagement roles. Please do take time to read through the newsletter and website and you will understand why the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Trinity College Dublin has developed a national and international reputation for offering quality education programmes and for undertaking innovative, client-centred research that is shaping the health care agenda in Ireland and beyond. We are one of only two schools of Nursing and Midwifery in Ireland that have undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in all Nursing disciplines (Children’s, General, Intellectual Disability, and Psychiatric Nursing) and in Midwifery. The multidisciplinary team within the School and our partner services are committed to providing you with an exceptional clinical and theoretical educational experience within a nurturing environment. When you study at the Trinity College School of Nursing and Midwifery you will develop the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges and complexities
of working and practicing in the health care service of the future, as well as the innovative skills and leadership abilities required to influence future policy and service provision. If you are encouraged by what you read and wish to learn more about the mission and activities within the School, or you would like to study within the School please contact us; our friendly and informative administrative and academic staff will be glad to help you. With warm wishes Catherine
Newsletter 2016-17 2014 – 2015
International Winter School for US Nursing Students The School of Nursing and Midwifery held the third International Winter School, 4 - 15 January 2016. Nursing students and Faculty members from the University of Scranton attended the two-week programme to learn about nursing and midwifery in Ireland and gain clinical observation experience in our linked Health Care Providers, St. James’s Hospital and St Patrick’s Hospital. The programme closed with an exciting debate titled “This House Believes the Irish Healthcare System is Better than the American Health Care System”. Certificates of attendance were awarded in a ceremony held in the School and, in the words of one student, “This is a once in a lifetime experience that all American nursing students should experience”. The International Winter School was led by Dr Eddie McCann, Ms Freda Neill, Dr Deirdre Daly and Ms Gráinne Curistan.
Enhancing our Links in the US In mid-June, Dr Deirdre Daly, Director of International Initiatives, and Dr Frances O’Brien travelled to the US to promote international research collaboration and our academic programmes. They visited the University of Scranton, Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania (ranked first in the world in the subject area of Nursing, QS Rankings 2016). The School enjoys strong links with these universities, through our international Winter School. Two members of faculty and 20 students from Drexel University attended our 17th Healthcare International Research Conference (HIRC) in November. This builds on a Global Classroom initiative developed three years ago as a collaboration between Professor Kathleen Fisher from Drexel and Paul Horan, Assistant Professor of Intellectual Disability Nursing, here in the School.
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International Winter School for US Nursing Students
Erasmus Exchange in the School of Nursing and Midwifery Erasmus Exchange is a relatively new concept for nursing and midwifery students. Since 2010 we have developed six clinical sites, with a number of academic links to each area, managed by the Erasmus Lead Mr Pádraig Dunne. The team plan, monitor and evaluate these sites for our Junior Sophister (JS) students, who attend a 12-week clinical placement as part of their undergraduate degree. We have links with Finland, Greece, Malta, UK and Denmark. The students apply for Erasmus Exchange in Senior Freshman year and travel in Semester One of the JS year. The students’ feedback to date has been tremendous. As part of the Erasmus Exchange, the School has facilitated at least 14 international students per year, who visit clinical partner sites attached to Trinity. These students have positively evaluated the programme also.
Promoting Study Abroad Programme This year, the School of Nursing and Midwifery was represented by our Global Officer, Ms Gráinne Curistan, at the NAFSA (National Association for Foreign Student Affairs) annual conference “Building Capacity for Global Learning”, which was held in Denver, Colorado. NAFSA is the world’s largest gathering of professionals in international education.
Recent picture of Mr Pádraig Dunne and Ms Kathryn Muldoon who visited the University College of Northern Denmark to sign an Erasmus Agreement
SCHOOL OF
Nursing & Midwifery
Alumni Profile I have worked for many years caring for children and adults with a disability, in community, residential and hospital environments. Currently I am employed as a Clinical Nurse Manager II for children with Down Syndrome in Tallaght Hospital and a Research Nurse in the Trinity Department of Paediatrics. My post is supported by Down Syndrome Ireland. I am a steering group member of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group in the UK and Ireland and also lecture nursing, midwifery and medical students in Trinity. My subjects of interest are health and Down Syndrome and also how parents receive news of a diagnosis.
Fiona McGrane, (Diploma in Nursing, 2004) Down Syndrome Ireland Research Nurse
In 2004 I graduated from Trinity with a degree in Intellectual Disability Nursing and completed a Higher Diploma in Children’s Nursing in 2008. I hold a Diploma in Social Care and am currently undertaking an M.Sc. in Caring for Children and Young People with Complex Health Needs.
As the only nurse in the country that specialises within the area, I provide nationwide support for children and families from birth to 18 years. My unique position allows me to be an advocate for children on a daily basis and, through the nurse-managed clinic in Tallaght Hospital, I receive referrals from maternity hospitals across the country, community services and also self-referrals from parents. The nature of the calls I receive include queries from parents requesting appointments for their children, requests for ward consultations, calls from new parents,
visits to other children’s hospitals and general medical queries. I continue to learn new things from the children and their families on a daily basis. As part of my research I played a pivotal role in setting up the National Register for Children with Down Syndrome. The register’s data is held and managed within the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health with the Trinity Centre at Tallaght Hospital. The nurse education I have received at Trinity and the people that I have met along my academic journey have inspired me in the current professional nursing research role and continue to do so. The most important message I have learned throughout my professional educational journey is to always put the person and their families first. I believe that if all nurses and midwives were to follow this mantra, we could be sure that the care we provide is always of a very high standard.
News from Abroad made the short trip across the water as a freshfaced, newly-qualified midwife.
Alison Fitzpatrick, BS.c. Midwifery 2013
In September 2013 I graduated with my midwifery degree after four intense, though highly rewarding years of learning. Unfortunately at that time vacancies for staff midwives in Ireland were limited, forcing me to look further afield for employment. Working through agencies I was offered, and accepted, a position in an NHS Hospital in Swindon, England. In January 2014, after obtaining my English registration, I packed my bags and
Initially I was overwhelmed with the maternity system that the NHS implements as it is quite different to the system under which I trained. I became immersed in water births, mixed antenatal and postnatal wards and extensive community care. With the help and support of the sisters (managers) and senior midwives in the Trust I quickly learned new policies and procedures, obtained new skills such as suturing and scrubbing while also consolidating the skills I had gained throughout my degree. I began to settle into my new surroundings of Swindon, which was a perfect location for day trips to Bath, Bristol, Oxford and London, which was great for my days off. I believe that working in the NHS has been extremely beneficial to my career, while also broadening the extensive skill set obtained
in Ireland. I continuously rotate between antenatal, delivery and postnatal wards, giving me ample opportunity to refresh and improve my midwifery skills. I am involved in caring for women who are delivering in a midwife-led unit as well as the obstetric-led unit, which I would not have experienced in Ireland. Myself and the other Irish trained midwives who emigrated have often received positive professional feedback. The sisters have praised the four-year Irish degree, especially the ninemonth internship we receive in our final year, which is not present in the English system. The excellent training we received in the Rotunda Hospital and Trinity allowed us to quickly adapt to working in the NHS. Thanks to the experience and education I received in the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Trinity I was able to travel to the UK and thrive as a midwife. 3
Newsletter 2016-17 2014 – 2015
Launch of ProACT Research in the School The School’s research webpage gives an overview of the School’s main areas of research interests: Population and Community Health; Mental Health, Mental Distress and Mental Illness; Ageing and Intellectual Disabilities; Improving the Health and well-being of Women, Children and Families. The Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, which is part of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, advances innovative practice and healthcare research, in collaboration with both clinical and industry partners www.tcd.ie/cphi
Launch of ProACT
Researchers in the Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation (TCPHI) are co-ordinating a highly ambitious digital health research programme, entitled ProACT (Integrated Technology Ecosystems for ProACTive Patient Centred Care). The landmark project, which was awarded €4.87million by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 framework, is led by Dr John Dinsmore (TCPHI), and brings together 12 partners across six EU Member states. The
project aims to develop and evaluate a digital integrated care system to support older adults living with multimorbidity, with a focus on diabetes, chronic heart disease/failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and mild cognitive impairment. The project brings together a consortium of academic/research institutions, SMEs, health service providers, EU networks, and multinational corporations including two of the world’s largest ICT companies, IBM and Philips (proact2020.eu).
Launch of LGBT Ireland Report The LGBT Ireland (LGBTI) Report, which is the largest national study of mental health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in Ireland was launched by former President Dr Mary McAleese. The study was undertaken by Agnes Higgins, Professor in Mental Health and a team of researchers from the School of Nursing and Midwifery. The report shows that a majority of LGBTI people aged 26 and over are doing well, report good selfesteem and are proud of their LGBTI identity. However, these positive findings are not shared across all age groups. The research found high levels of self-harm and suicidal behaviour among LGBTI young people as well as worrying levels of severe and extremely severe stress, anxiety and depression. The study is available at www.GLEN.ie
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Launch of LGBT Ireland Report
If you are considering undertaking a research degree, a taught programme, or research as part of your role in practice, why not have a look at our staff members’ research profiles. Explore these pages to find potential supervisors, collaborators and general support nursing-midwifery.tcd.ie/research Queries may be directed to Professor Geralyn Hynes, Director of Research at hynesg2@tcd.ie or +353 (0) 1 896 4081.
SCHOOL OF
Nursing & Midwifery
Exploring the Challenges Experienced by People with Muscular Dystrophy
Geraldine Prizeman, Jessica Eustace-Cook, Dr Catherine Tracey, Dr Aileen Lynch, Carmel Doyle, Dr Honor Nicholl and Clair Kelly (MDI)
The New Institute of Population Health The Institute of Population Health (IPH) in Tallaght, is a new centre with a focus on population health and primary care. This new development represents a significant investment by Trinity involving both the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery and Medicine, where research, teaching, training and advocacy will take place. In addition to Trinity’s two Schools, the other stakeholders who will use or reside in the same building include patients, GPs, Talacare, Department of Health, HSE Primary Care Teams, Trinity HSE GP Training, Euromedic and Tallaght Hospital personnel. The IPH places a strong emphasis on the importance of patient-centred approaches for maintaining optimal health, where each patient can access the appropriate level of care for their individual needs based on international best practice in primary care. The IPH will play a full part in undergraduate and postgraduate education and in multidisciplinary research. To this end, the School of Nursing and Midwifery offers a new M.Sc. in Community Health which is run in part from the IPH.
“Exploring the Challenges Experienced by People with Muscular Dystrophy Living Independently” was a collaborative study between Muscular Dystrophy Ireland and researchers from the School of Nursing and Midwifery. The final report was launched in May 2016 and highlights a number of findings and recommendations in the areas of assistance and support, housing adaptations, assistive equipment, education and employment. The
findings were presented at the European Conference of Rare Diseases in Edinburgh, in May 2016. The research was funded by the Irish Research Council and led by Dr Honor Nicholl and Dr Aileen Lynch, along with research team members Carmel Doyle, Jessica Eustace-Cook, Geraldine Prizeman, Dr Catherine Tracey and Clair Kelly (Muscular Dystrophy Ireland).
Appointment of Ireland’s First National Internationally Renowned Researcher Maternity Strategy Professor Cecily Begley, Chair of Nursing and Midwifery, was a member of the National Maternity Strategy Steering Group, representing the Council of Professors, Deans and Heads of Nursing and Midwifery in Higher Education Institutes. The steering group, set up by the Department of Health in May 2015 in response to recommendations from two HIQA reports into maternity services at Portlaoise Hospital and University Hospital Galway, completed its work in December 2015. The former Minister for Health, Mr Leo Varadkar TD, launched the National Maternity Strategy in January 2016, stating that plans for the new, improved maternity service outlined in the Strategy offered “a better experience and more choice to women, families and fathers. In particular, he supported the focus on health and wellbeing throughout”. The midwifery education team in the School endorses the recommendations within the Strategy, especially the recognition of the role of midwives within the new pathways of care, and the development of a community midwifery service providing high quality services and care accessible to all women. The team looks forward to working with the new National Women and Infants Health Programme to implement the recommendations identified in the Strategy for the advancement of Ireland’s maternity services.
Professor Imelda Coyne
Professor Imelda Coyne was appointed in February 2016, as the Alva Myrdal Visiting Professor, in the School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Sweden. The Alva Myrdal Professorship is for internationally renowned researchers in fields related to the work and achievements of Alva Myrdal, a researcher, politician and public debater – and a well-known personality from Eskilstuna. Alva Myrdal (1902 –1986) was a Swedish sociologist and politician and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1982. Imelda will be working closely with researchers, academics and practitioners from the children’s research group (CHIP) which views children’s research from a protection, promotion and participation approach according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
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Newsletter 2016-17 2014 – 2015
20 Years of Advanced Practice In April St James’s Hospital held a study day “Advanced Nursing Practice: History, Innovation and Future Challenges”, to celebrate 20 years of Advanced Practice in the hospital. Valerie Small, Ireland’s first ANP, was instrumental in setting up the ANP course linked to the M.Sc. in Nursing in the School and has been a key contributor to MSc education and the education of Advanced Practitioners ever since. Prof Agnes Higgins represented the School by attending the study day and making a presentation of a gift and a certificate of achievement to Valerie. The School congratulates Valerie on her outstanding success and contribution to the excellent care of countless patients through her ANP activities. Professor Agnes Higgins, Trinity, Mr Paul Gallagher, Director of Nursing, St James’s Hospital, Valerie Small
GradLink 2016/17
Students at GradLink launch on 2 November 2016
GradLink is a mentorship programme which provides an opportunity for our Senior Sophister students to be mentored by our experienced alumni. The programme is supported by the School’s Alumni Committee, Trinity Alumni Office and the Trinity Careers Advisory Service. The feedback on the programme has been excellent, 31 students and 22 mentors have registered for this year’s programme. The GradLink launch took place in early November 2016. The event consisted of briefing sessions for mentors and mentees, followed by a reception. The volunteer mentor role involves meeting with a small group of students (up to three per mentor) on approximately three occasions during the academic year. The focus of these meetings is generally professional development and other career-related topics. The time commitment of the programme to mentors is approximately ten hours over a year. If you are interested in becoming a mentor please contact Ms Gráinne Curistan at curistag@tcd.ie For further information on the programme please visit www.tcd.ie/globalrelations/alumni/Gradlink.php
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Trinity announces Scholars from the School of Nursing & Midwifery Once a year in Trinity, the Provost of Trinity Dr Patrick Prendergast along with the Board of College announces new Fellows and Scholars in Front Square and this ceremony is one of the oldest at Trinity. The highly prestigious Foundation Scholarship requires Senior Freshman students to sit challenging examinations in their fields, to identify those of outstanding ability. On Monday 11 April the School of Nursing and Midwifery was extremely proud to have five Scholars announced: Sarah Mather and Sadhbh Farrell (Children’s & General Nursing), Julia Linden and Jheyzebelle Layao (General Nursing) and Aoife Swan (Midwifery). In addition to the prestige of the award, Scholars are entitled to free fees, free university accommodation, free Commons and receive approximately €250 per annum.
SCHOOL OF
Nursing & Midwifery
Preceptor of the Year Award
The Lorraine Andrews Prize
The Preceptor of the Year Award for 2015 was Ms Paula Keeshan, St Patrick’s Hospital and for 2016 it was Ms Grainne Hill, Naas General Hospital. Both received an award of a €250 prize, at the annual School Awards Ceremony. This award is designed to recognise and reward clinical staff who have made an outstanding contribution to the clinical practice education of our undergraduate students. The award also reflects the value the School places on the importance of promoting excellence in preceptorship and clinical practice education.
The Lorraine Andrews Prize was founded in 2015 in recognition of Professor Andrews’ commitment and contribution to midwifery practice, teaching and research. It is awarded annually to one JS midwifery student that consistently demonstrates integrity, kindness, justice, compassion, and selfless dedication to others. Each JS midwifery student receives a nomination form and the nominee with the highest number of votes is awarded the prize, which is a medal and a bursary to the value of €250. The prize is presented at the annual School Awards Ceremony.
Carole King Prize The Carole King Prize was founded in 2015 to encourage interest in Spirituality in Health Care among students in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. It is awarded annually and is open to all undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery students. The award consists of one free place to the School’s Annual Spirituality in Healthcare Conference and a book token, which is presented at the annual School Awards Ceremony. The 2015 winners were Doireann Chapman, Sandra Nyoka and Eniola Oladiti.
Prize Winner 2015: Fatimah Alaya Prize Winner 2016: Niamh Thompson SCHOOL OF NURSING & MIDWIFERYM.SC./P. GRAD. DIP. COURSES Taught Postgraduate Courses M.Sc./P. Grad. Dip. Courses– Interdisciplinary
Dementia Mental Health (in partnership with the National Forensic Mental Health Service) Mental Health - Psychosocial Interventions strand Mental Health – Child, Adolescent and Family Strand Palliative Care (in partnership with St. Francis Hospice, Dublin) Clinical Health Sciences Education & Community Health Community Health
M.Sc./P. Grad. Dip. Courses– Midwifery
M.Sc. / P.Grad. Dip. in Midwifery Practice and Leadership
M.Sc./P.Grad.Dip. Courses Nursing only
Nursing – Child Health and Wellbeing Advanced Nursing Practice – Emergency Nursing Specialist (in partnership with St. James’s Hospital, Tallaght Hospital and other Health Service Providers). Available in the following strands: Cardiovascular Care, Cancer Care and Haematology, Emergency, Intensive Care, Orthopaedics, Perioperative Care, Renal Gerontological Nursing (in partnership with St. James’s Hospital)
Certificate Courses (Postgraduate or Professional)
Professional Certificate in Nurse/Midwife Prescribing of Medicinal Products Postgraduate Certificate in Dementia (Interdisciplinary) (Online) Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Practice available in: Nursing: Gerontological, Cardiovascular Care, Cancer Care and Haematology, Emergency, Intensive Care, Orthopaedic, Perioperative Care, Renal Interdisciplinary: Dementia, Mental Health, Psychosocial Interventions, Palliative Care
H.Dip Courses
Higher Diploma in Children’s Nursing/ R.C.N. (Post-Registration) (in partnership with The National Children’s Hospital) Higher Diploma in Midwifery (in partnership with the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital and the Rotunda Hospital Dublin)
Standalone Modules
Vascular Health Diseases and Haemodialysis and Allied Therapies Nursing Anaesthesia/Recovery Room Care for Nurses and Midwives
Civic Engagement Committee The “Tell Me About” public lecture series, now in its fifth year, has had about 2,000 people in attendance to date. The 2015-16 series had a 1916 theme with Joe Duffy presenting on the Children of The Rising and some of the School staff sharing memories of their family members’ involvement. Other topics presented in the series included “Engagement and Disengagement: Implications for Human Interaction and Volunteering in Belarus: The Experiences of Intellectual Disability Nursing Students”. The committee would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution of Carole King to the civic engagement activities of the School over the past five years. Carole, who was the academic lead on the committee, retired in June and has been succeeded by Paul Horan. The majority of lectures are recorded and published at: www.youtube.com/user/TCDSNM
For futher information on any of our postgraduate courses please see www.nursing-midwifery.tcd.ie/postgraduate/
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Forthcoming Events 22 June 2017 3rd International Spirituality in Healthcare conference ‘Creating Space for Spirituality in Healthcare’: 1st Call for Abstracts to be published in late 2016
A full listing of all events and public lectures being held in the School is available at nursing-midwifery.tcd.ie/events-conferences site.
Please contact Jeni Ryan (ryanjen@tcd.ie) if you wish to be added to the Events Mailing List.
Remember. The power of a legacy to Trinity Oregon Maple Library Square Planted early 1800s
There’s an old saying that the true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade one does not expect to sit. When you leave a legacy to Trinity however big or small, you’re planting a tree which will grow to provide shelter to many. You’re empowering ground-breaking research which will benefit people in Ireland and all over the world. You’re supporting students from all backgrounds to access a Trinity education. You’re helping preserve our unique campus and heritage for new generations.
When you remember Trinity in your will, you join a tradition of giving that stretches back over 400 years – and reaches far into the future. For more information about leaving a Legacy to Trinity, please contact Carmen Leon. T. +353 1 896 1379 E. carmen.leon@tcd.ie www.tcd.ie/development
Get Involved
Upcoming Alumni Events
Class Notes
Trinity has a long tradition of outreach and community engagement. To find out about the numerous ways you can get involved with Trinity both at home and abroad, please visit www.tcd.ie/alumni/volunteer
Alumni Weekend 2017 25 to 27 August 2017
Do you have any news or updates that you would like to share with your fellow alumni? Submit your news with an image, subject of study and year of graduation to alumni@tcd.ie For more information please visit www.tcd.ie/alumni/news-events/publications
Other Upcoming Events: www.tcd.ie/alumni/news-events/events
www.nursing-midwifery.tcd.ie www.maths.tcd.ie @tcdalumni
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School of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Mathematics Trinity College Dublin, Hamilton 24, D’OlierBuilding Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Trinity Ph +353College (0)1 896 2692 Dublin 2, Ireland Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Phone +353 (0)1 896 1949 TCD.Nursing.Midwifery/?fref=ts Email Email:mathdep@maths.tcd.ie nursing.midwifery@tcd.ie
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