Courses
Hazel Harford
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Studies
St Angelas
Can you tell us the course you are studying at ATU?
I have just completed 6 standalone modules in St. Angelas Sligo. I should now qualify for a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Nursing Studies as I have 60 credits. Each module equates to 10 modules. They can be completed as one off module or can be stacked together. There is a list of modules to choose from to suit different areas of nursing, study, choice, interests.
Can you share your career path to date?
I initially qualified as an Intellectual Disabilities nurse from DKIT. I worked in this field for just over 1 year. I was based in a challenging behaviour unit for people with intellectual disability and a dual diagnosis of mental health problems. This was of great interest to me and I became very interested in learning more about mental health nursing. I then applied for and was accepted on the Higher Diploma in Mental Health Nursing that was funded by the HSE, this was the first year this was brought back – 2017. My sponsoring area was the Central Mental Hospital and I continued to work with them after the course was finished. I have worked there now for 9 years.
What does your current role involve?
I am a staff nurse on an acute ward in the central mental hospital. I am involved with admissions, initial care plan development, medication administration, risk management, and psychoeducation.
What motivated you to start studying?
I wanted more specialised knowledge in areas like challenging behaviour – to help with behaviour management plans. I also hope to advance my career in the future and this course will help me in achieving same.
Why did you choose this course at ATU?
I wanted more flexibility in choosing specific modules, I could space out the modules if necessary. I like the option of dedicating my time to one specific module per semester to allow for full time work and homelife balance of my time with study.
How do you find the process of studying in a flexible manner? What elements did you find helpful? Were there elements you found challenging?
I like the option of dedicating my time to one specific module per semester to allow for full time work and homelife balance of my time with study.
How do you balance work and study?
Dedicate time each week to study – looking up class notes, researching, working on assignment/ project. Staying on top of study and being prepared for the next class.
In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Are there elements of the course that are particularly relevant to your current employer?
Yes they were very supportive, help with funding, flexibility with changing shifts for college days and their interest in how I am progressing.
Yes all of the courses were relevant – for example – behaviours that challenge – dealing with difficult patients and being able to identify and understand their behaviour more and the reason for same. Then being able to put a care plan in place to help manage same and educate all staff around the behaviour and follow the same plan.
What advice would you have for anyone considering studying a flexible learning programme?
I would encourage anybody to apply for further study. It may seem daunting however there is a lot of help available in the university, all information provided online to access at home. Resources available in the library to help with referencing, etc.
In what way has studying with ATU benefitted your career to date?
Ongoing knowledge, being provided with up-to-date information, studies, etc. group discussion in class gives insight into other services and how they work.
Has this course provided any unexpected benefits to your career?
I hope to be able to apply for more jobs in the future, more specialised roles or advance into a management position.
Do you find that the elements you are studying have practical relevance in your day-to-day role?
Yes, I am able to apply my learning to my every day work. For example the therapeutic communication module has enhanced my ability to communicate with patients and listen to them better during a review.