Learning to research is helping Pauline develop life-long skills provide evidence-based quality care to the people with a disability she works with as a registered nurse intellectual disability
Pauline O’Gorman is a student on the MSc in Nursing and an intellectual disability nursing graduate. She has also completed a certificate in management.
My background:
I am a registered nurse intellectual disability (RNID). Having worked as a health care assistant for a number of years I was fortunate to attain a HSE sponsorship to undertake my nursing degree in 2012 and I feel extremely privileged to have had this amazing opportunity. I had started as a catering staff originally with the same organisation so my story is one of hope and opportunity.
My motivation for doing the programme was:
I work in the area of intellectual disability as an RNID. This has been a very humbling experience and showed me, life and good health cannot be taken for granted, that there are challenges. People with an ID face considerable challenges in their everyday lives from complex health concerns, communication barriers and being part of their community and world. It was very important for me, as an RNID, to educate myself in order to support people in achieving their goals and to highlight the role the RNID has in helping people with a disability have the best life possible. The Nursing Midwifery & Planning Development Unit (NMPDU) provide financial assistance which really is a gift.
The impact on my career:
Undertaking my masters as an RNID will allow me to become an advanced practitioner. It will help to develop a career pathway be it into academia or as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). It will help me to be the best nurse I can be.
The module or part of the course that will benefit me most:
Developing clinical practice is really going to stand to me as an RNID out in an ever changing work environment. Learning to research is helping me to develop life-long skills as my practice as an RNID needs to be based on evidence in order to provide quality care to people with a disability.
My advice for adult learners considering this programme is:
My advice for anyone considering this course is to speak to someone they know who has completed the course. It is extremely helpful to contact the module leader(s) as they are happy to assist and are very supportive. And finally, to just go for it.
Why I would recommend studying in Waterford:
I completed my degree in Waterford in 2016. After this I did a Certificate in Management (Level 9) in 2020. I did not hesitate returning to undertake my MSc of Science in Nursing as for me, it just felt like returning home. As a mature student I have always felt valued and supported. The campus is not so big either that you feel overwhelmed (of course the free parking is a bonus too).
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
