Darren Sullivan

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in General Nursing

Mayo

Where are you from and where did you go to school?

I’m from Birr in County Offaly. I attended St. Brendan’s for both primary and secondary school, and I really enjoyed my time there. I have dyslexia, and both schools were very supportive throughout my education, which made a big difference to me. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course

Before choosing a career in nursing, I worked in various general labour jobs. During one of those jobs, I started thinking about a career change. A colleague mentioned that I would make a great healthcare assistant, which inspired me to complete a Healthcare Support course. After qualifying, I worked as a healthcare assistant for a year. 

Following that, I spent five and a half years working as a rehabilitation assistant with ABI Ireland. Over time, I began to seriously consider nursing as a career. I spoke to colleagues, friends, and family, and they all encouraged me, saying nursing would really suit me. Although I had thought about becoming a nurse before, I kept putting it off because I was comfortable in my job. 

Eventually, I decided to take the leap, and I haven’t looked back since. Choosing nursing has been a rewarding decision, and it hasn’t disappointed me so far. 

Tell us why you chose ATU

I chose ATU because I was really drawn to the fact that it’s a smaller, more intimate college. I had heard that lecturers get to know each student individually, which really appealed to me, especially as someone with dyslexia. The smaller class sizes made me feel like I’d be better supported in my learning. 

I also heard great things about the nursing course itself, especially the level of support students receives throughout. Another important factor for me was location. As a mature student who will be commuting, it was important to choose a college that was close by, and ATU was the most convenient option for me. All of these reasons combined made it the right choice. 

What do you like about life in your campus location?

What I love most about life on campus is the people. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the most amazing lecturers and college staff, and I’ve made friends for life. A lot of those friendships and memories were built in the college canteen, it’s the heart of the campus, where everything unfolds through laughter, tears, and great food. The canteen staff are always warm and welcoming, with a smile and a hello that brightens your day. 

Mayo itself is a beautiful county, and I’ve been lucky enough to explore it over the years. It never disappoints with its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere. 

What advice would you give to a student thinking about coming to ATU?

My advice to any student thinking about coming to ATU is to go for it! It’s a welcoming, supportive college with a real sense of community. I’ve found the smaller class sizes and the personal approach from lecturers to be a huge advantage, you’re not just a number here, the staff really get to know you and are there to help every step of the way. 

Whether you’re a mature student like me or coming straight from school, ATU is a great choice if you’re looking for a supportive, community-focused college experience. 

What do/did you enjoy most about your course?

What I enjoy most about my course is the mix of practical and classroom learning. The hands-on experience has really helped me build confidence in my skills, and I’ve found the clinical placements incredibly rewarding, they give you a real sense of what it’s like to work as a nurse and help you grow both personally and professionally. 

The lecturers are incredibly supportive and approachable, always willing to help and guide you. I’ve also found the clinical placement coordinators (CPC’S) to be a great support throughout all four years, they’re encouraging, understanding, and always there to help you make the most of your placement experiences. 

Most of all, I enjoy being on a path that’s meaningful knowing that I’m working toward a career where I can help people every day is what keeps me going. 

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice/information would you give them?

If I were speaking with a first-year student about to start the course, I’d tell them to take things one step at a time and not be too hard on themselves. The course can feel overwhelming at first, especially trying to balance lectures, assignments, and placements, but it gets easier as you settle in and find your routine. 

One big piece of advice I’d give is don’t leave your assignments on the long finger. Try to work on them as they come, it makes a huge difference and saves you from a lot of last-minute stress. 

Make the most of your placements, even when they feel challenging. They’re such valuable learning experiences and a chance to build your skills and confidence. And remember, placements are short, so if you’re having a tough time, just keep going. The end is always closer than you think. 

There will be tough days, but they don’t last forever. Better days always lie ahead, and with the support of your lecturers, placement coordinators, and classmates, you’ll get through it. You’re on the path to a rewarding and meaningful career, and every step is worth it. 

If you are/were involved in sport, volunteering, working or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that?

During my time at ATU, I do regret not getting more involved in sports and extracurricular activities. However, I did participate in some outdoor recreational soccer and enjoyed the jiving classes, especially the line dancing sessions, which were a lot of fun! I would highly encourage new students to get involved in sports or clubs, it’s a rewarding way to meet people and balance academic life. 

In my second year, I had the opportunity to serve as a class rep, and I really enjoyed supporting my classmates. I went on to further support my class by becoming the INMO (Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation) class rep, which gave me the chance to continue representing and advocating for my peers. 

Additionally, working as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) during my time in college was a great way to earn some money while gaining invaluable experience in the healthcare field. It also helped me stay connected to the practical side of my studies, reinforcing my passion for nursing. 

What are your plans after graduating?

After graduating, I hope to stay in Ireland and have already applied for jobs with the HSE. I’m hopeful that I’ll be successful in securing a position. As for my long-term career path in nursing, I’m still figuring out exactly where I want to work and which direction I’d like to take. I trust that it will become clearer with time and experience, and I’m excited to explore the different opportunities that lie ahead.