Recognition of Excellence Award for Tullamore Hospital Student Nurse of the Year

Student nurse Aine Dooley was surprised with an award presentation for her hard work and excellence in the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore.

In 2021 Aine was awarded the honour of Student Nurse of the Year, but as a result of COVID-19 restrictions there was no formal presentation marking her achievements.

Congratulating Aine on the day was Wendy Fitzpatrick, Assistant Director of Nursing Practice Development Coordinator, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. ‘It was important for the management, staff and colleagues at Tullamore Hospital to acknowledge Aine on her achievements and among her peers congratulate her for her hard work and continued dedication to the patients she cares for.’

She continues, ‘The criteria for nomination of Student Nurse of the Year in Tullamore Hospital involves many assessment competencies including, professionalism, skill development, patient compassion and respect to name but a few. Each student is graded across a spectrum of criteria with the core question of ‘Is this student nurse an outstanding role model for fellow students?’

Aine Dooley explains her journey into nursing and how she found her pathway into a career she loves and excels at. She begins ‘I completed my leaving certificate in 2015 and following that completed a pre nursing course in Portlaoise Institute of Technology. By doing the PLC course it gave me the opportunity to work as a healthcare assistant in a local nursing home and it also gave me the extra points that I needed to gain access to study general nursing in Athlone Institute of Technology in September 2017.

PICTURE SPECIAL: Out and about on the town in Tullamore over the weekend

Having completed placements across hospitals in Tullamore, Portlaoise and Mullingar, she has worked in different specialties throughout her training and made the decision to work in a medical ward when qualified.

Currently working on the orthopaedic elective ward in Tullamore Hospital since qualification a year and a half ago Aine states, ‘I have worked through a global pandemic in the past 3 years as a student nurse and also a Registered General Nurse (RGN). From the day I started in Tullamore Hospital, my colleagues on the ward have made me feel very welcome and they are all a pleasure to work with. I have learned so much from working with them. Recently I have completed my preceptorship course which allows me to guide new nursing students from TUS while they are on their medical placements.

WATCH: Award winning film shot in Tullamore now available to watch on YouTube

I haven’t made a decision yet on what I would like to specialise in but it is my intention to further my education in the future.’

Wendy Fitzpatrick concludes ‘The commitment of Aine is abundantly evident in her hard work and dedication to the care of their patients in the Tullamore Hospital. The management, staff and colleagues wish Aine the very best in her career going forward.’