Killeigh's Niamh graduates from DCU with nursing degree

Killeigh native Niamh Walsh graduated with a BSc Nursing (General) at the recent DCU Spring graduation ceremonies.

Niamh first gained an interest in nursing eight years ago, after her mother became seriously ill. Following a successful surgery, her mother was full of praise for the extraordinary care and reassurance she received from the nursing staff.

The experience made Niamh think, “I want to be that for people.”

Niamh began the course during the Covid-19 pandemic, a challenging time for all students, but particularly for those taking Nursing.

For her class, it was different as all the demonstrations were via video. Going on a four-week placement at Beaumont Hospital in full PPE was a difficult experience. Being masked up created “a bit of a disconnect” with staff and patients.

“I was like, I can't do this.” However, that changed as she picked up new skills and gained more experience in a clinical setting.

Despite the challenges, Niamh said that the experience of coping with such a stressful situation will be beneficial in the long run for nurses like her.

On the academic side of the course, Niamh was surprised how much she enjoyed the non-clinical subjects like Communications, Psychology and Sociology.

The lecturers mainly come from a nursing background, and Niamh found their personal perspectives very useful.

She says the teaching staff were very supportive, and gives lecturer Anne Kirwan as an example. “If you had a problem you could go to Anne Kirwan and she'd help you. So, it’s nice having that support.”

In the final year of the four year degree, the students do a 36-week internship in either Beaumont or Connolly Hospital, gaining experience in three different types of wards.

Niamh got her first choice and now works in the Colorectal and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Ward in Beaumont.

The job involves caring for patients pre and post-surgery, and Niamh says she’s greatly enjoying the work.

“I think a big part of it was the staff, the management, the support," says Niamh. “I love the work, it’s very interesting.”

For now, Niamh is happy building up her career experience but doesn’t rule out working abroad at some point and then returning home.

In Niamh’s opinion, Nursing may not be for everyone, and she offered advice to those considering the career.

“Stay at it because one day it'll all just click for you, and then there's no going back.”