We know from our work with registrants that sharing experiences can help others. We also like to highlight careers and different career paths in the Nursing and Midwifery Professions.

That’s why we would love to hear from you. We want to focus on you and your profession in our monthly editions of the NMBI eZine.

If you or your team would like to participate, please complete the questionnaire below and email it to communications@nmbi.ie.

Please include a picture or pictures of you.

This month we feature Olive Gallagher who is Director of Nursing, Cancer Managed Clinical Academic Network, Saolta University Healthcare Group, Galway University Hospital.

Why did you choose a career in nursing/midwifery?

I think nursing chose me really. I come from a long family history of nurses and I never wanted to be anything else – my mum was a wonderful nurse and her commitment to patient care and sense of team always came through so strongly from her. She spoke so positively about nursing that I never really considered any other career. For me, the values in nursing really say it all - care, compassion and commitment and they matched my own values, so we are a good fit really.

Was this your first career choice and what would you do if you weren’t a nurse/midwife?

Nursing was always my first career choice. I did consider teaching for a short time so that is possibly where I would be if I wasn’t in nursing, although with the challenge of home schooling recently I think I make a better nurse than teacher.

How do you believe you have made a difference as a nurse/midwife?

The majority of my nursing career has been spent in cancer services. It is a most privileged position to be in; travelling a journey with patients at a very difficult time in their lives,  supporting them, guiding them and providing the best evidence-based, compassionate nursing care I can, each and every time. I have worked in many roles over the years from staff nurse to Cnm2, Cancer Information Nurse, Patient Advice and Liaison Co-ordinator, ADON to my current role as Director of Nursing for the newly formed Cancer Managed Clinical Academic Network (MCAN) in Saolta University Healthcare Group . A strong commitment to patient experience has been a common thread throughout.

My current role is part of an integrated governance project using a collaborative approach to provide cancer care within Saolta hospitals and specialities, working together to improve quality and outcomes for our patients.  I’d like to think I have made a difference to every patient I have encountered. I will continue to do this as long as I am in nursing.

Do you have a memory in your job that really stands out?

I remember my first shift on A Ward in St Luke’s Hospital in Rathgar – it was my first time working in a dedicated cancer ward and I knew immediately I had made the right choice. I have never looked back since and thank them for the grounding and professional direction they gave me that set me on the path to where I am today.

How has Covid -19 changed nursing? Are there any positives that you will take with you?

Covid-19 has been really challenging for nursing and has changed the way we deliver care to our patients. The need for social distancing and PPE has made the human touch, that is so important, in a time that is full of fear and anxiety really difficult. Through compassion, professionalism, specialist knowledge and innovation nurses have come up with many ways to circumvent this, connecting with patients and their families despite Covid-19 with care and compassion. I am very proud of all my colleagues worldwide and to be a nurse at this time.

If you could, what advice would you give to 19 year old you, starting out?

Always keep the patient central in everything you do and you will never go wrong. Take every opportunity that comes your way even if you are uncertain. This is when you will grow personally and professionally. Treat everyone with compassion and if you get the opportunity to attend a Schwartz round, grab it, as it epitomises compassionate care.

If you were given one million euro to spend on health, how would you spend it?

Unfortunately it would not go too far I am afraid but if I had a choice I would spend it on Covid-19 vaccines for developing countries. We may have a global pandemic but not all global responses are equal.

It’s post-pandemic and you’ve just won a holiday to anywhere in the world! Where would you go and why?

Disneyland with all my family - grandparents, nephews and nieces included.

Lockdown has been really difficult for us all but particularly our children. Disneyland  is really a magical place that offers a great escape from reality and allows even the adults to be childlike again!

Back to reality…. You’ve a week to spend on holidays in Ireland. Where would you go and why?

Donegal – I trained in Letterkenny many moons ago with a wonderful group of nurses and it is one of most beautiful counties in Ireland. Golden beaches, fabulous scenery and great people.