Courses
Emily McCarthy
BSc (Hons) Intellectual Disability Nursing
St Angelas
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course?
My name is Emily McCarthy, and I am a fourth-year Intellectual Disability Nursing student. I chose nursing because I have always had a strong desire to work with people and make a positive difference in their lives. Intellectual Disability Nursing is particularly rewarding, as it allows me to build meaningful relationships with service users while supporting both their health needs and daily living skills. This course combines medical knowledge with social and communication skills, which makes it both challenging and engaging. Every individual is unique, and I enjoy observing, understanding, and thinking creatively about how I can improve each person’s quality of life, even in small but meaningful ways.
What are your favourite modules on the course?
My favourite module on this course is Person-Centred and Empowering Support. This module focuses on how nurses can provide effective, individualised care by creating tailored care plans based on each person’s needs. It promotes improving quality of life and empowering individuals by focusing on their abilities rather than their disabilities.
Is there anything else about your course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial?
This course offers a 50/50 balance of theory and practical experience, which I have found extremely beneficial. Attending lectures each semester prepared me well for clinical placements, allowing me to apply my knowledge in real-life settings. This combination has helped me to better understand the role of an Intellectual Disability Nurse and build confidence in practice.
What is the best thing about your course that you think new applicants should know?
Intellectual Disability Nursing is a very special and rewarding role. As nurses, we become part of the lives of the individuals we support and often build meaningful relationships with them and their families. It is a privilege to provide person-centred care, advocate for their needs, and empower them to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. The role involves not only medical support but also promoting independence and inclusion in all aspects of care.
What advice would you give a first-year student starting your course?
From my experience, there is always something new to learn in nursing. You should never feel like you need to know everything, as that is impossible. Nursing is a team effort, and it is always beneficial to ask questions and understand why you are doing things during placement. In my first year, I was nervous and quiet as everything was new, but by fourth year, my confidence and communication skills have grown significantly. Nursing has greatly contributed to my personal and professional development.
Tell us about any extracurricular activities or experiences
In my third year, I had the opportunity to travel to Uganda for two weeks as part of the university’s Erasmus programme. This was an incredible and life-changing experience. I travelled with fellow student nurses, lecturers, and mentors, where we gained insight into the healthcare system and the challenges faced in a different country.
We provided care to the local community by setting up clinics, which allowed me to apply my clinical knowledge and develop my communication skills with a wide range of patients, including babies, children, and adults. A particularly meaningful part of the trip was visiting Noah’s Ark, an orphanage for children with intellectual disabilities. Despite limited resources, we assessed the children’s needs and treated infections. Through fundraising efforts, we were able to provide medical supplies, mattresses, school materials, and feeding aids.
This experience broadened my perspective on global healthcare and cultural differences, and it is something I will carry forward throughout my nursing career.
What are your plans after ATU and long-term goals?
After graduating from ATU, I hope to secure a position with the HSE within Intellectual Disability Services. In the future, I would also like to travel and potentially work as a nurse abroad, as I believe these experiences are valuable for both personal and professional growth. I look forward to beginning my career as a Registered Nurse in Intellectual Disability and hope to make a positive impact on the lives of those I support.