The recent graduation ceremony for the Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Psychiatric Nursing from the South East Technological University (SETU) celebrated the culmination of four arduous years of academic study and 80 weeks of rigorous clinical placements. Held in Waterford, this milestone event marked the transition of 38 participants who are prepared to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland as certified Psychiatric Nurses. Hailing from Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford, these graduates have undergone extensive training, including a 36-week continuous internship with the HSE/South East Community Healthcare (SECH) Mental Health Services.
Symbolic Traditions and Commendations
Blessing of the Hands Ceremony
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the traditional “Blessing of the Hands,” performed by SETU chaplain Fr. David Keating. This ancient practice, originating from the pioneering nurse Florence Nightingale, underscores the critical role of compassionate care in nursing. Fr. Keating’s blessing intended to remind the graduates of their responsibility to offer empathy and support to those they will care for in their professional careers. The graduates’ journey, which began amid the unprecedented global challenges of 2020, has been marked not only by academic rigor but also by hands-on clinical experience that exposed them to the realities of healthcare.
Emer O’ Donnell, Clinical Placement Coordinator and Assistant Director of Nursing at the SECH, conveyed high praise for the graduating class. According to O’ Donnell, the students demonstrated resilience and dedication during an exceptionally challenging period in Irish healthcare history, contributing significantly to mental health services from the onset of their training. This commendation serves as a testament to the graduates’ readiness to take on the professional responsibilities that lie ahead.
Comprehensive Training for a Specialized Field
Diverse Clinical Placements
The specialized nature of psychiatric nursing demands an interpersonal care approach that respects the individuality of each patient. SETU’s training program encompasses a diversified array of clinical placements, offering students exposure across a spectrum of mental health services. These placements range from admission units to psychiatry of later life units and rehabilitation areas, ensuring that the trainees receive a well-rounded experience.
Additionally, the curriculum includes hands-on experience with home-based treatment teams, community mental health teams, and niche areas such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health teams and Substance Misuse services. This broad-based training ensures that SETU graduates are conversant with various aspects of psychiatric care, equipping them to address the multifaceted needs of their future patients.
Robust Foundation for Professional Development
Dr. Sara Kennedy, Head of the Department in the School of Nursing at SETU, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the training provided. According to Dr. Kennedy, the curriculum is meticulously designed to lay a robust foundation for the graduates’ professional development. This extensive preparation enables them to deliver high-quality mental healthcare not only locally but also on national and international platforms.
The goal of this education model is to produce healthcare professionals who are adept at navigating the complexities of mental health services. The graduates are now equipped to operate within a variety of settings, adapting their skills to different environments and patient needs. This adaptability is a crucial factor in their capacity to make meaningful contributions to the mental healthcare sector.
Celebrating Collaboration and Achievement
Key Attendees and Collaborative Efforts
The graduation ceremony was graced by the presence of notable figures from both SETU and the HSE/SECH community. Among the key attendees were the HSE/SECH’s Nurse Practice Development Coordinator Irene Ryan and Clinical Placement Coordinators from various regions. Their attendance underscores the collaborative efforts that underpinned the graduates’ training. The partnership between SETU and HSE/SECH provided an array of clinical experiences, ensuring that the graduates are well-prepared to tackle the complexities of mental healthcare effectively.
This collaboration has been instrumental in offering a training environment that is not only diverse but also deeply rooted in real-world experience. By working closely with seasoned professionals, the students were able to gain invaluable insights and practical knowledge that would serve them well in their careers.
Preparing for Future Contributions
The recent graduation ceremony for the Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Psychiatric Nursing at South East Technological University (SETU) celebrated the end of four demanding years of academic coursework and 80 weeks of intensive clinical placements. This significant event, held in Waterford, symbolized a major professional milestone for 38 students ready to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland as qualified Psychiatric Nurses. These graduates, coming from regions including Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford, have received comprehensive training. Their curriculum included a challenging 36-week continuous internship, carried out in partnership with the HSE/South East Community Healthcare (SECH) Mental Health Services. This hands-on experience has equipped them with valuable practical skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of their profession. As they step into their new roles, these nurses are set to make meaningful contributions to mental health services across their communities.
