Naas General Hospital Becomes Academic Nurse Teaching Hospital in Partnership with Trinity College Dublin

Above from left to right: Eimear Foy, Clinical Placement Coordinator, NGH, Elaine Harris, NGH, Lynn Muldowney, Clinical Placement Coordinator, Naas General Hospital, Pádraig Dunne, Clinical Allocations Officer, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dr Frances O’Brien, Head of the General Nursing Discipline, Associate Professor, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Fiona Hennessey, Clinical Placement Coordinator, NGH, Anne Murphy, Director of Nursing, NGH and Dr Aileen Lynch, Director of Undergraduate Teaching & Learning at the School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin.

(IN BRIEF) Naas General Hospital (NGH) has been designated as an Academic Nurse Teaching Hospital in partnership with Trinity College Dublin. Starting in September, 12 nursing students will complete their clinical placements at NGH, gaining diverse experience in various healthcare settings. This collaboration aims to provide local training opportunities and support students in starting their professional careers at NGH. The initiative enhances nursing education and aligns with community care goals, offering comprehensive training and numerous development opportunities. Students will attend lectures at Trinity and complete clinical practice at NGH, benefiting from the support of experienced staff and state-of-the-art facilities.

(PRESS RELEASE) DUBLIN, 19-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Naas General Hospital (NGH) has been designated as an Academic Nurse Teaching Hospital through a partnership with Trinity College Dublin, serving as a key clinical base for the Bachelor of Science in General Nursing programme. Starting in September, 12 nursing students from Trinity will complete their clinical placements at NGH, gaining diverse experience across various healthcare settings in Kildare and West Wicklow.

This partnership builds on an existing collaboration with Trinity’s School of Nursing & Midwifery, allowing students to graduate as registered general nurses with comprehensive training from both Trinity and NGH. The initiative aims to provide local training opportunities and foster a pathway for students to start their professional careers at NGH post-graduation.

Nursing students will receive support from experienced clinical staff, Clinical Placement Coordinators, a Student Allocation Liaison Officer, and a Nurse Practice Development Coordinator at NGH. They will also attend lectures and clinical skills training at Trinity and the Trinity Centre for Health Sciences at St. James’s Hospital.

Dr. Aileen Lynch, Director of Undergraduate Teaching & Learning at Trinity’s School of Nursing & Midwifery, highlighted the benefits of the partnership: “This collaboration offers valuable opportunities for students to complete clinical practice closer to home. Clinical practice is crucial for acquiring the necessary knowledge, professional competencies, and skills. We are proud to work with Naas General Hospital to provide exceptional education and training for future nurses.”

Eileen Whelan, Chief Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, emphasized the initiative’s role in enhancing nursing education and access to community care: “This partnership allows students to engage in diverse clinical placements, which is essential for their career development and aligns with Sláintecare’s goals of increasing access to care and training.”

Anne Murphy, Director of Nursing at NGH, expressed enthusiasm for the new programme: “We are excited about our collaboration with Trinity College. This programme will benefit the hospital and enable students to train and work locally. Achieving this milestone required significant support from our team and Trinity’s dedicated staff.”

Elaine Harris, Nurse Practice Development Coordinator at NGH, added: “We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of nursing students in September 2024. Our hospital supports a positive learning culture with numerous development opportunities in nursing management, education, and specialist posts.”

Upon receiving their course offers, students will indicate their preferred hospital for placements, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. NGH offers a comprehensive range of medical and surgical placements, including specialized areas such as the Emergency Department, Operating Theatre, Coronary Care Unit, Intensive Care Unit, and more, providing a well-rounded clinical training experience.

Media Contact:

Ciara O’Shea
Media Relations
coshea9@tcd.ie
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SOURCE: Trinity College Dublin