Tickets Available for NMBI Summer Series Events this June

 

This June the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is jointly hosting five different Summer Series events at five college campuses around Ireland.


 

This June the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is jointly hosting five different Summer Series events at five college campuses around Ireland.

Each event will focus on a division of the NMBI Register and the aim is to discuss the current challenges and future opportunities of each of the divisions and how they can lead and deliver the required change in the future of healthcare in Ireland.

The events will be held at University College Cork (UCC) on Tuesday, 7 June, University of Limerick (UL) on Wednesday, 8 June, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Athlone campus on Tuesday, 14 June, St Angela’s College, Sligo, on Wednesday, 15 June and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Letterkenny campus on Thursday, 16 June.

The Cork event will discuss children’s nursing, the Limerick event will focus on midwifery and the Athlone discussion will be dedicated to general nursing. In Sligo the event will revolve around intellectual disability nursing and the final event in Letterkenny will focus on mental health nursing.

Each early evening event begins at 5pm and each is an opportunity to hear from leading experts in the professions and from NMBI representatives who will discuss future education plans.

President of NMBI, Essene Cassidy, said: “This Summer Series has been designed to facilitate open conversations about the practice of nurses and midwives and the innovations taking place in our professions right now.

“We are very grateful to all five higher education institutions for co-hosting the Summer Series events, and I look forward to productive discussions each evening.”

NMBI CEO Sheila McClelland said: “Senior NMBI staff members will be in attendance, listening to our professionals about how they work now in 2022 and how they hope to work into the future.

“We will also be sharing insights and data from our Register of nurses and midwives following the digitisation of the registration process. I want to thank all five Schools of Nursing and Midwifery for their efforts and enthusiasm in co-designing the programme for the Summer Series.”

Director of Education, Policy and Standards at NMBI, Carolyn Donohoe, said she is looking forward to hearing contributions from panel members including both clinical and academic experts.

“The Summer Series is a wonderful opportunity to take NMBI to five different college campuses; to discuss new innovations in nursing and midwifery and to examine how our professions can adapt and change in the years ahead to lead on improvements for our health service users,” said Ms Donohoe.

Director of Midwifery at NMBI, Dawn Johnston, said: “It promises to be a fascinating series. I am particularly looking forward to discussions about midwifery at the University of Limerick.”

The NMBI Summer Series events are all free and tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Further details are available on the NMBI website here.

The full NMBI Summer Series dates and venues are as follows:

Tuesday, 7 June: University College Cork

Focus on children’s nursing and community integration

Venue: Brookfield Health Science Complex, College Rd, University College, Cork, T12 AK54

Time: 5pm to 7pm

Title of Event: “Children’s Nursing in the Community - Care closer to Home”

Wednesday, 8 June: University of Limerick

Focus on the recruitment and retention of midwives and promoting the autonomous role of the midwife in shaping maternity services locally

Venue: The Pavilion, North Campus, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 F7XW (parking available)

Time: 5pm to 7.45pm

Title of Event: “Future Proofing Midwifery through Education, Practice and Leadership”

Tuesday, 14 June: Technological University of the Shannon TUS Midlands, Athlone Campus

Focus on general nursing; regional strategic workforce planning and career pathways

Venue: Lecture Theatre J1007, Nursing and Healthcare Building, TUS Athlone Campus, N37 HD68

Time: 5pm to 7pm

Title of Event: “Nursing Leadership in the Midlands: Evolution of Practice – Undergraduates and Beyond”

Wednesday, 15 June: St Angela’s College, Sligo

Focus on intellectual disability nursing; community integration, assisted decision-making and rights of the individual

Venue: Auditorium, St Angela’s College, Lough Gill, Clogherevagh, Co Sligo, F91 C634

Time: 5pm to 7pm.

Title of Event: “The RNID – An Evolving Profession”

Thursday, 16 June: Atlantic Technological University – Donegal, Letterkenny Campus

Focus on mental health nursing; suicide prevention and interventions; local career pathways

Venue: ATU Donegal (Letterkenny campus), Lecture room 1101

Time: 5pm to 7pm.

Title of Event: “Mental Health & Wellness in the North West: A Shared Vision & Collaborative Mission”

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) Announces Introduction of Humanitarian Practice Permit
 

 

Nurses and midwives from outside Ireland who wish to practise on a temporary basis in Ireland will be able to apply for a permit to do so from 1 June 2022, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) has announced.

The move follows the signing of a commencement order by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, which brings into operation Sections 39 and 41 of the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011.


 

Nurses and midwives from outside Ireland who wish to practise on a temporary basis in Ireland will be able to apply for a permit to do so from 1 June 2022, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) has announced.

The move follows the signing of a commencement order by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, which brings into operation Sections 39 and 41 of the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011.

The legal change will allow practising nurses and midwives visiting Ireland for work purposes to apply for a Humanitarian Practice Permit in the following circumstances:

a. Patient transfer (emergency and acute clinical care)

b. Training that requires the nurse/midwife to be in a clinical area

c. Accompanying a client/person for a sporting event

d. Patient support for short term respite care.

A person qualified to practise in a place outside the State and in the State for a humanitarian purpose may be issued with a permit by the NMBI allowing them to practice for a period not longer than 30 days.

This permit provision does not apply to nurses and midwives who are eligible to have their qualifications recognised under the European Union (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 8 of 2017) and who, accordingly, are eligible to apply to provide services on a temporary and occasional basis.

CEO of NMBI, Sheila McClelland, said: “We are pleased to announce that nurses and midwives who are registered within their home state may apply for a Humanitarian Practice Permit which will be available on the NMBI website from 1 June 2022.

“This permit is meant for nurses and midwives involved in care provision for an isolated practice episode. Should a nurse or midwife wish to practice on a regular basis they will need to apply to NMBI to join the Irish register.”

NMBI Team Observes RCSI Testing for Overseas Applicants
 

 

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) team members have carried out an in-person observation of the aptitude testing for overseas nursing applicants at the testing centre at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).


 

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) team members have carried out an in-person observation of the aptitude testing for overseas nursing applicants at the testing centre at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).

Director of Registration, Ray Healy, Director of Education, Policy and Standards, Carolyn Donohoe, and their colleague, Professional Officer Lorraine Clarke Bishop, spent a day observing the different testing methods used to ascertain the competencies of those taking the tests.

A nurse who trained outside the Republic of Ireland and who wishes to register as a general nurse (RGN) in the Republic of Ireland, must apply to the NMBI for a recognition of qualifications. This involves a comparison of qualifications with the Irish education standards and requirements. One of the outcomes may be that the candidate must successfully complete a compensation measure approved by the NMBI. One such compensation measure is the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery (FNM) Aptitude Test for Overseas Nurses.

The test was developed by Professor Thomas Kearns and gained NMBI approval in 2015. The team is managed by Dr Maria Neary. In the six and a half years between December 2015 and May 2022, 8,440 applicants from 46 countries have taken the test. In response to health service need, the number facilitated to take the test during the pandemic has more than doubled from that of the pre-pandemic years.

The test is based on the NMBI Standards and Requirements. The standard is what a newly qualified RGN in the Republic of Ireland would be expected to know and do in a safe and competent manner. It comprises both a theoretical and a practical component. The practical component takes place through 14 Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) stations, staffed by 44 assessors and centre co-ordinators on any given day from a team of more than 100.

NMBI Director Mr Healy commented: “We were hugely impressed by the professional organisation of the testing and also by how each test was managed. NMBI would like to thank Dr Neary and all her team for facilitating our visit.”

NMBI Assisting Ukrainian Nurses and Midwives who Wish to Work in Ireland
 

 

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is currently working with stakeholders to assist Ukrainian nurses and midwives who may wish to work in Ireland following the illegal invasion of their homeland.


 

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is currently working with stakeholders to assist Ukrainian nurses and midwives who may wish to work in Ireland following the illegal invasion of their homeland.

There are currently five Ukrainian nationals on the NMBI Register of Nurses and Midwives, all of whom were registered before the current crisis.

Director of Registration, Ray Healy, said: “Since the war began, NMBI has received one application for recognition of qualifications, which is the step before registration. We are aware of approximately 10 other inquiries.

“We continue to work with the HSE and other key agencies who indicate that approximately 20 Ukrainian refugees could potentially seek registration to work in Ireland as a nurse or a midwife.

“Registration with the NMBI is legally mandated to practise as a nurse or midwife in Ireland, and our standards and requirements are aligned to the EU Qualifications Directives.”

The vast majority of nurses and midwives that apply to join the NMBI register from outside the EU are required to complete compensation measures to meet the standard in Ireland, before they can practise here. This is the case for Ukrainian applicants.

Mr Healy said: “However, we are aware that some Ukrainian applicants will not be able to provide all the necessary documentation to progress to the compensation stage, due to the ongoing crisis.

“NMBI has developed an orientation programme that would support Ukrainian applicants in adapting to the Irish healthcare system, while also protecting the public by reducing the risk of progressing an incomplete application.

“The programme will be supported by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in providing clinical simulation and theory classes. The programme will have no cost to the participants. NMBI has also translated core documents into Ukrainian to support them through the application process. NMBI is liaising with other stakeholders to support potential applicants in as many ways as possible.”

President and CEO Address Annual IGPNEA Conference in Waterford
 

 

NMBI President, Essene Cassidy and CEO, Sheila McClelland were special guests and speakers at the annual conference of the Irish General Practice Nurse Education Association in Waterford in early May.


 

NMBI President, Essene Cassidy and CEO, Sheila McClelland were special guests and speakers at the annual conference of the Irish General Practice Nurse Education Association in Waterford in early May.

Around 200 delegates heard from Ms Cassidy and Ms McClelland, who outlined the role of NMBI, in particular in relation to education.

Key statistics from MyNMBI, the organisation’s digital registration system for registrants, were shared with the delegates.

Ms Cassidy also took the opportunity to give a short presentation on the future of Enhanced Community Care.

Ms McClelland said: “I wish to sincerely thank IGPNEA National Chairperson Mary Jordan and her hard-working committee for the invitation to address the conference and speak to so many of our valued practice nurses from all over the country.

“The conference was of huge value to NMBI, especially during this consultation period on our next Statement of Strategy 2023-25.”

Ms Jordan added: “I want to offer my sincere thanks to both Essene and Sheila for their attendance at the conference and sharing such fascinating and important information with our delegates and members.

“We look forward to continuing our engagement with NMBI in the time ahead.”

Application Forms for NMBI Approval for Post-Registration Courses Announced
 

 

New and updated application forms for Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) approval for post-registration courses have been released.


 

New and updated application forms for Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) approval for post-registration courses have been released.

Education Bodies (EBs) and QQI accredited Centres of Nursing & Midwifery Education submit programmes of education to NMBI for approval.

Post registration programmes of education are classified as either a Major award-type,which represents a significant volume of learning outcomes, or Minor award-type which will be part of the learning outcomes associated with one or more major award-types at a given level in the Framework of Qualifications.

Minor awards may be combined with other learning outcomes towards a major or special purpose award. Programmes are considered for approval by the Education, Training and Standards Committee. Programmes must be submitted to the Professional Standards and Education Department in NMBI eight weeks prior to the meeting of the Education, Training and Standards Committee.

Both have been reviewed and updated on the website to ensure that the applications for approval and/or reapproval can be processed in a timely manner.

NMBI Marks International Nurses’ Day
 

 

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) marked International Nurses’ Day on 12 May with CEO Sheila McClelland taking part in a live webinar and Director of Education, Policy and Standards, Carolyn Donohoe, sending her thanks to nursing colleagues for another year of dedication to the profession.


 

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) marked International Nurses’ Day on 12 May with CEO Sheila McClelland taking part in a live webinar and Director of Education, Policy and Standards, Carolyn Donohoe, sending her thanks to nursing colleagues for another year of dedication to the profession.

In her comments during a HSE/Department of Health webinar, Ms McClelland praised nurses for their dedication and compassion over the past two years and spoke of the need for more people to enter the profession, in particular graduates.

In her message to fellow nurses, Ms Donohoe said that nursing is one of those professions you will succeed in when you have a love for what you do. 

“Over the past two years, you have shown yet again a resilience and dedication which enhanced the profession to levels higher than we thought were achievable as you worked through a pandemic and continued to offer care, compassion and commitment to the highest of standards,” said Ms Donohoe.

Her message also featured in the Irish Independent newspaper and you can read more here.

NMBI President Launches updated Practice Standards for Midwives on International Day of the Midwife
 

 

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) launched the updated Practice Standards for Midwives on 5 May, the International Day of the Midwife. 

The updated document, which sets the standards of midwifery care, was launched at the National Midwifery Conference in Dublin by NMBI President, Essene Cassidy.  


 

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) launched the updated Practice Standards for Midwives on 5 May, the International Day of the Midwife. 

The updated document, which sets the standards of midwifery care, was launched at the National Midwifery Conference in Dublin by NMBI President Essene Cassidy.  

The first edition of the Practice Standards for Midwives was developed in 2015 and Ms Cassidy said it was timely that NMBI updated this important document to ensure that it is reflective of legislative and societal changes.  

“The Director of Midwifery and the Midwives Committee of the Board of NMBI have worked with key stakeholders to make the revisions that successfully assist the midwifery profession in the delivery of services to women and their families,” Ms Cassidy told the conference. 

The NMBI President thanked the stakeholders whose engagement helped shape this document. 

“NMBI can only deliver change in policies or practices with the engagement with key partners,” said Ms Cassidy. 

She added that “it is appropriate that we have chosen the International Day of the Midwife to launch this important document, further enhancing the midwifery profession for the years ahead.” 

The NMBI President, along with NMBI CEO Sheila McClelland, also paid tribute to all midwives in Ireland on the International Day of the Midwife. 

This year – 2022 – marked 100 years since the foundation of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), the international organisation which leads celebrations of the day in 120 countries.

Ms McClelland said, “midwives provide a phenomenal service to women, their babies and their families 24 hours a day, every day of the year”. 

“Over the past two years midwives have adapted to the changes presented by the pandemic and have used innovation and new technology to improve the services they provide,” said Ms McClelland. 

NMBI Director of Midwifery Dawn Johnston, also paid tribute to midwives for the care and compassion they demonstrate. 

“Today is about celebrating the midwifery profession and I do hope that as many midwives as possible get time to celebrate it in some way.”

Meanwhile CEO, Ms McClelland also issued a video message congratulating midwives. You can see her contribution to a HSE video reel here.

Ms Johnston’s message to midwives on 5 May can be read in full here.

 

NMBI Seeks Applicants for Vacancy on Education, Training and Standards Committee
 

 

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is seeking expressions of interest from registrants and members of the public to fill a vacancy on the Education, Training and Standards Committee.


 

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is seeking expressions of interest from registrants and members of the public to fill a vacancy on the Education, Training and Standards Committee.

We also hope to create a panel of shortlisted applicants from which to fill vacancies on this committee between July 2022 and July 2023.

Details of the vacancy and how to apply are on our website.

Please share this link with anyone who you think may be interested. The closing date for applications is Thursday, 16 June 2022 at 3pm.

The role of the Education, Training and Standards Committee is to advise and make recommendations to the Board of NMBI on nursing and midwifery education standards and their implementation, ensuring adherence to the legislation set out in the Nursing and Midwifery Act 2011, associated Nurses and Midwives (Education and Training) Rules 2018 and 2020, and related European Directive 2013/55 Recognition of Professional Qualifications.

More information on the committee, including its membership and terms of reference, is available on our website.

Vacancies at NMBI
 

 

NMBI is seeking suitable candidates for two important roles within the organisation – Director of Registration and Data Protection and Compliance Officer.


 

NMBI is seeking suitable candidates for two important roles within the organisation – Director of Registration and Data Protection and Compliance Officer.

Details on each position are available on the links below:

If you would like to apply for any of these positions, please visit the vacancy page on our website and download and complete the relevant application form, noting the deadline for submission.

NMBI President Meets the Namesake She Cared for 29 Years Ago
 

 

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) President Essene Cassidy has come face to face with the infant she cared for as a student nurse – and who was named after her – 29 years later.


 

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) President, Essene Cassidy has come face to face with the infant she cared for as a student nurse – and who was named after her – 29 years later.

Essene was attending a general practice nurse conference in Waterford when fellow nurse Katie Essene Deevy introduced herself.

Needless to say, the two nurses were thrilled to meet face-to-face after almost three decades.

Katie explained: “My mam was in labour and I was her first pregnancy in March 1993. She remembers Essene taking over care from another nurse. She remembers that Essene was so kind, patient and understanding and how it made her feel so at ease.

“Mam was also pretty sure Essene was due to finish up her shift, but hung on overtime just to look after mam and I. It was all because of those reasons that she decided that she would name her baby after Essene due to all her kindness and excellent nursing.”

Whatever happened back then, Essene’s bond paid off as Katie went on to become a nurse herself.

Katie, now a General Practice nurse in Blackrock, Co Dublin, said: “Throughout my nursing career, people have asked me what other nurses or healthcare workers were in my family. People were surprised when I revealed that there were none, and that I was the first.

“Regardless of that, it always stuck with me that I was named after a nurse who made such a difference to my mam, and I felt like I could always carry that with me, and treat my patients like Essene treated my mam and I.”

Katie got in touch with the NMBI President a couple of years ago via social media, having worked out from the name that she was the actual nurse who had cared for her mother.

“It was so lovely when Katie got in touch and she had asked me for advice in relation to her career and of course I was only too happy to assist where I could,” said Essene.

“My forename isn’t that common so I was amazed to discover that Katie had been given the second name of Essene. It is such an honour.

“It was brilliant to meet Katie in person in Waterford after all these years.”

Katie thinks something of that encounter as a baby with Essene rubbed off.

“Nursing actually wasn't my first choice,” she said.

“I originally studied history and music. However, I volunteered for many years at a first aid organisation that allowed me to do a number of courses. I loved the idea of emergency care as a full-time job.

“I debated whether I should finish my degree and apply for graduate entry medicine afterwards, or leave early and start a career in nursing. I decided I wanted to become a healthcare provider as soon as I could, so I left my course and started in UCD as a general nursing student.”

Katie added: “Nursing has given me such a phenomenal career in Ireland and other countries like Malta and Sweden. I went on to become an emergency nurse in the largest ED in the country, dual qualify as a children's nurse and complete a Masters in Global Health from Karolinska Institutet. I'm currently working in primary care and I'm currently applying for funding for my PhD studies.

“I was thrilled to meet Essene in person again after almost 30 years. It was such a sweet moment.”

Essene met baby Katie Essene when she was on her midwifery specialist placement at Holles Street as part of her children’s nursing.

“I am also the first nurse in my family and my career pathways are very similar. I am a Public Health Nurse and Katie is working in Primary Care GP Practice.

“I had often wondered how things worked out for Katie and her mam. It was lovely to be able to share this story with my own children and reinforce to them how your actions, particularly when doing something you love, can have such a positive impact on someone.

“I remember telling my own mother at the time about an infant being given my name and she was so emotional about it. Now it has been lovely to revisit this memory with mam and reminisce about the early days of my nursing career.

“For me the key driver throughout my career has been to treat every patient/client in the way I would want my family members to be treated and I hope that has served me well over the years.”

Tributes to Catherine Rooney on her Retirement from NMBI
 

 

Tributes have been paid to Catherine Rooney after almost 25 years with NMBI and its predecessor An Bord Altranais.

A special reception was held for Catherine at NMBI’s offices in Blackrock, Co Dublin.


 

Tributes have been paid to Catherine Rooney after almost 25 years with NMBI and its predecessor An Bord Altranais.

A special reception was held for Catherine at NMBI’s offices in Blackrock, Co Dublin.

Director of Education, Policy and Standards, Carolyn Donohoe said: “I want to pay a warm tribute to Catherine for her dedication to the organisation over so many years, in particular in her role as librarian at an important time for the regulator.

“On behalf of her colleagues I want to wish Catherine a long and happy retirement.”

Catherine was born in London, grew up in Tipperary and lives in Dublin.

During her library career she has worked as shelving assistant, library assistant, assistant librarian/information officer and finally librarian.

We asked Catherine more about her time with the organisation:

What was your first job/career – tell us about your work life before joining NMBI/Nursing Board?

I graduated from UCD with an honours degree in History & Greek and Roman Civilisation in 1985 and studied for my Diploma in Librarianship as it was then called in the College of Librarianship Wales in Aberystwyth, graduating in 1986. I came home and could not find a job (it was the 1980s) so I left for Manchester. My first job there was as a library assistant (maternity leave cover) in the John Ryland’s University Library. In 1988 I went to London and took temporary positions in a variety of libraries through a library agency. I got a job as assistant librarian in Wimbledon Public Library in 1989 and returned to Dublin in 1990 to study for my Masters in Irish History. I worked part time during this time. I then got a temporary job as Physical Sciences Librarian in UCD from 1992 -1994. I had always wanted to work overseas so I applied to APSO (Agency for Personal Service Overseas) to work as a librarian and was sent in January 1995 to Swakopmund in Namibia where I ran a community library before coming home in March 1996. It was a seminal experience and one that I treasure. I worked as an Information Officer with Age Action Ireland for the rest of 1996.

When did you join NMBI and why?

There was no grand career plan I am afraid. I saw the job advertised and applied, it was hard to get a librarian post at this time too and I was glad to get a permanent job. I started working as librarian with the Board on the 20 January 1997.

What was your role here as librarian and tell us about the importance of that role?

I was hired as librarian which was under the auspices of the Chief Education Officer in An Bord Altranais  It was an important role as the education/training of nurses and midwives was changing radically in the 1990s, eventually leading to the establishment of the degree programme in 2002. The Commission on Nursing was set up in 1997 to examine the changing role of the profession and their report entitled ‘Commission on Nursing - Blueprint for the Future’ was published in 1998 which led to projects like the Scope of Practice/Nurse/Midwives Prescribing /Role of the Registered Advanced Nurse/Midwife Practitioner being undertaken by the Board and which have enhanced the development of the professions over the years. The library supported all of the above and much more over the years with the library staff undertaking literature reviews, providing journal articles/books/reports, along with CAS (Current Awareness Service) on a variety of topics.

Who used the library – explain how it operated?

The library was set up in the 1980s to support the nursing profession as it was then. It also supported the work of the Education Officers in the Board. Health Sciences libraries were in their infancy at this time so the library supported the profession throughout Ireland. The journal collection in its heyday was the best nursing/midwifery/allied health literature collection in Ireland and was heavily used by nurses in the supply of inter library loan article requests within the health sector libraries. 

The library was an extremely busy place with students/nurses etc coming in person to use the library resources i.e books and journals and also databases like the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Library staff also dealt with phone and postal requests for information from all over Ireland. Both I and my colleague did a huge amount of online searches and article photocopying. It was very physically demanding work back in the day before everything went online. It would be hard for the students today to imagine journals in hard copy where an issue or bound journal had to be taken to a photocopier to photocopy a requested article when today they are now available online in pdf format at the touch of a button.

After the library was digitised what was your new role at NMBI?

The library closed to the nurses and midwives in 2005 as the space was needed for FTP department in Fitzwilliam Square. Things had moved on considerably by this time in the provision of health library services and the HSE library service was now providing online access to both journals and databases. The physical library in NMBI was put into storage in 2016 and I then worked full time as a staff officer in the education department supporting the work of the department.

And what are you most looking forward to on retirement?

I have more time to relax and read and to take part in my adult ballet class.

News Round
 

 

A round up of the latest news stories including:

  • NMBI’s Catherine features in Irish Examiner article
  • Minister announces 2022 Capital Plan
  • Irish ‘nomadic’ nurse praised for her work in Australia
  • Cobots introduced to the wards of American hospitals
  • Psychiatric nurse Lisa talks about her rewarding career
  • Historian examines harsh realities for some Irish nurses who went to Britain

 

NMBI’s Catherine features in Irish Examiner article

Nurse Catherine Cocoman, a member of the Board of NMBI, has featured in the Irish Examiner newspaper, talking about her career to date and encouraging others to follow in her footsteps.

Ms Cocoman, an Assistant Director of Nursing at an acute Psychiatric Hospital in Dublin, detailed her journey into nursing.

“For people seeking a career in nursing, I would say you need to be caring, competent, conscientious,” she told the newspaper.

“We need more nurses and I would encourage people to go into nursing, particularly psychiatric nursing, as it’s hugely rewarding.

“In Ireland, we train up very competent people through our undergraduate programmes and we want more of them to come through and work with us.”

You can read more of her interview here.

Minister announces 2022 Capital Plan

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced the capital funding programme for the HSE this year.

The health capital funding available in 2022 is €1.02 billion, an increase of 4% on 2021. This investment will enable the HSE to progress projects in 2022, including government priority programmes and major capital projects of elective care centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway as well as investment in primary and community care settings.

You can see the investment plan – and the facilities affected – here.

Irish ‘nomadic’ nurse praised for her work in Australia

An Irish nurse has been making headlines in Australia for her caring and compassion with rural communities.

Ursula McEntee and her husband, handyman Thomas, and their three children moved to Sydney in 2005. They took to the road in their motorhome from Sydney in 2015. They have travelled to numerous rural communities ever since.

They were recently guests at a wedding of a woman Ursula cared for after a road traffic accident.

“Most Australians haven’t seen the Australia we have seen,” said Ursula.

You can listen to the interview with Ursula on a local radio station here.

Cobots introduced to the wards of American hospitals

Nurses in a number of American hospitals are now getting help with their work from robots.

The ‘Collaborative Robot’ – dubbed Cobots – have been introduced at a network of non-profit hospitals in Delaware and in counties in neighbouring states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.

The collaborative robot that can work alongside nurses and interact with them directly, performing non-clinical tasks such as deliveries and pickups to enable them to focus on care delivery.

ChristianaCare purchased five of the Cobots – which can work 22-hour shifts, be fully charged in two hours– with a $1.5 million grant from the American Nurses Foundation.

You can read more about this story here.

Psychiatric nurse Lisa talks about her rewarding career

Lisa Douglas, a psychiatric nurse with St Patrick's Mental Health Services, explains why her career in acute care is so rewarding in a fascinating interview in the Irish Examiner.

“The best part of the job is that every day is different. It is an extremely rewarding career as you are caring for people who are in need of compassion and support,” says Lisa.

“I think that knowing you can make a difference in the lives of service users is a wonderful part of the job. Seeing improvements and small changes in service users as they work towards their recovery and respond positively to their treatment is incredibly rewarding as a nurse.”

You can read the interview with Lisa here.

Historian examines harsh realities for some Irish nurses who went to Britain

Well-known historian Diarmaid Ferriter has chronicled some of the harsh realities faced by some Irish who moved to work in Britain in the 1950s and 1960s.

Mr Ferriter’s article, the Irish Times, was his reflection on a re-issued book: Catherine Dunne’s ‘An Unconsidered People’.

You can read the article in full here.

Board Profile: Anne Horgan, Board Member and Member of Preliminary Proceedings Committee

 

In this month’s issue of our eZine, we continue our series highlighting the work of the NMBI Board by speaking with Anne Horgan, Board member and member of Preliminary Proceedings Committee.


 

In this month’s issue of our eZine, we continue our series highlighting the work of the NMBI Board, by speaking with Anne Horgan, Board member and member of Preliminary Proceedings Committee.

 

Could you tell our readers a bit about your background?

I qualified as a physiotherapist from Trinity College Dublin. I was previously a member of both the Physiotherapists Registration Board and the Health and Social Care Professionals Council of CORU – a multi-professional health and social care regulator.

When did you join the Board of NMBI and why?

In 2018, I was appointed to the Board by the Minister for Health following nomination by the Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU) under Section 22(1) (g) of the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011.

As a lay member of the Board, how important is it to have diversity in representation and what value do non-nurses/midwives add to the decision-making process?

Diversity in representation on the board is very important. It ensures probity in decision-making processes. Each individual brings their personal experience and lived experiences, harnessing a comprehensive and collective approach to discussions, solutions and strategic thinking.

Gender balance, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to securing the best possible outcomes from a Board. The legislation specifies lay member majority on the Board. Indeed, an Annex on Diversity was published in 2020 to supplement the existing Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016) to ensure State bodies meet the highest standards of corporate governance. Good corporate governance entails recognising the value of difference and being aware of the benefits that arise from having effective and diverse Boards. Key performance metrics for State Bodies, in general, include culture, diversity and inclusiveness, ultimately leading to better outcomes for civil society and the community.

What have been your biggest achievements as a Board member?

It is an ongoing privilege to be afforded the opportunity to be involved in setting the strategic direction of NMBI through a culture of openness, transparency and collaborative engagement in realising NMBI’s vision to provide leadership to registered nurses and midwives in delivering safe care through innovative and proactive professional regulation.

What challenges have you faced during your time on the Board?

As highlighted in NMBI’s Statement of Strategy 2020-2022, regulators and regulation can never stand still. Agility in responsiveness through an evolving model of regulation is crucial. Leveraging our data can help to provide greater insights and learning to inform regulatory activities - to protect the public, prevent harm, support our registrants and inform public policy

You also sit on the PCC. Could you tell our eZine readers what role this Committee plays?

The NMBI Board sets standards of practice and has a published code of professional conduct and ethics (The Code). Preliminary Proceedings Committee (PPC) is a statutory committee of NMBI and comprises 11 members. The role of PPC is to consider complaints referred to it. It is a screening committee whose work is independent of the Board.

Under The Act, there are several grounds for complaint. Before deciding whether or not further action should be taken in relation to a complaint, PPC will consider all information concerning the complaint. In instances where PPC is of the opinion that there is a prima facie (meaning - “on the face of it”) case to warrant further action being taken, PPC will refer the case onwards.

In previous interviews with Board members, we spoke about how they find a balance between their work on the Board and Committees, their career and their home life? How do you find a balance?

A healthy work-life balance will mean different things to us all. I use some prioritisation tricks like trying to 'work smart, not long' and making sure I block off a certain amount of time per task. I enjoy travelling and going on short breaks regularly which is great to disconnect and recharge. Being away resets your mind and I feel rejuvenated and re-energised afterwards. 

Finally, what advice would you give someone who is interested in joining the NMBI Board or one of the NMBI Committees?

Joining a Board or committee will broaden your exposure to the more corporate side of things – governance, risk, accountability, assurance etc. You will be contributing to meaningful work in making a difference. It’s a great opportunity to build networks and for personal and professional development - an enriching experience and great chance to develop a new skillset and an understanding of the regulatory arena.