Dundalk students begin new pathway into Intellectual Disability Nursing

Seven future Intellectual Disability Nurses have begun the first step to their new careers as they commence their Tertiary Degree Pathway in Intellectual Disability Nursing. 

The students will complete their first year of this programme in their local ETB (Education and Training Board) and then progress to DkIT to undertake their four-year BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing programme.

The course, which is available across three ETB (Education and Training Board) campuses in Cavan, Monaghan, and the Louth/ Meath Region is aimed at widening participation to communities and individuals who may not have considered third-level education as an option.

Dr. Briege King, Head of Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years at DkIT said: “We are delighted to welcome our Tertiary access students and colleagues from Cavan Institute and O Fiaich College to DkIT. The introduction of this access route reflects our belief that higher education should be accessible to all.  This is the first Tertiary Degree Pathway in Intellectual Disability Nursing being offered in Ireland which is terrific for both DkIT and our HSE and St John of Gods Intellectual Disability services clinical partners who have been key in its realisation to date.”

Six students from O’Fiaich College, Dundalk and one from Cavan Institute have now begun their pathway to their new nursing careers.

Gráinne McEvoy who is beginning her pathway at O’Fiaich College said: “I have enjoyed the course so far and the clinical skills classes this year. All the lecturers are friendly and very knowledgeable. Since viewing DkIT and learning more about what’s to come in the next four years, I'm very excited to get started and learn in the impressive facilities DkIT has to offer, and to learn more about becoming an intellectual disability nurse.”

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Another student, Aisling Gallagher added: “I have really enjoyed my tertiary degree this year, as a mature student it has been very insightful. My favourite part of the course is nursing theory and practice as I learned so many new skills I cannot wait to put into practice. DKIT has an amazing nursing building with so many extraordinary facilities and I can't wait to start in September. I would highly recommend this route to nursing for anyone interested.”