Education & Career Progression

As a teaching hospital, we thrive to assist nurses in achieving a high standard of patient care by encouraging continuous adult learning and development, in tandem with clinical exposure and experience. We offer suitable programmes to aid these learning opportunities. These programmes are based on the ever changing demographics and health care environment within the critical care department. To facilitate the provision of education and the integration of theory and practice, support is provided by our educational team at the bed space. They provide expertise from both an academic and a clinical approach. All programmes are accredited by An Bord Altranais to ensure their validity and reliability.

Adaptation Nurses

This programme is a 6 week (or more) introduction programme into the hospital routine and basic nursing standards, policies and procedures. Individuals will complete supernumerary competencies set out by the NMBI and Beaumont Hospital in order to achieve a pin. When deemed successful in the set competencies, students will then undergo a 6 week induction into the critical care environment.

Pre/post registration students and new staff to the critical care environment

Students and new staff are required to complete a 6 week induction programme. This programme is more advanced and sets out specific unit learning goals/outcomes. The individual is continuously monitored and supported throughout the 6 week course to ensure all competencies are met and ensures that the individual is confident and safe in taking on their own patient case load.

Continued learning

We offer places on the critical care Foundation Course. This is a 6 months course linked with UCD and is co – ordinated by Ms. Sarah Connor. The course aims to build upon and advance the repertoire of knowledge, skills and professional values in clinical practice. The goal of the module is to ensure that students will be able to safely and competently care for critically ill patients in the critical care environment in which they are employed.

Advanced learning opportunity

Delivered in partnership with RCSI, the one-year part-time Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing  aims to assist nurses in taking a leading role in advancing and developing nursing and midwifery in this area, and effecting policy change in professional practice and health service provision. It will also offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge, experience and clinical expertise in the challenging and dynamic environment that is critical care. The course is co – ordinated by Ms. Jennifer Riordan

Meet the Team

Sarah Connor – Foundation Course Co–ordinator

“I have 10 years critical care nursing experience in Beaumont Hospital, working here has given me great opportunities to develop and further my career and make lifelong friends along the way.  I have a real passion for ICU nursing and the exciting new developments in this area. 

Here in Beaumont we are in the unique position of being a neurosurgical centre of excellence and we also see a diverse range of complex patients.  

I facilitate the National Foundation Module in Critical Care Nursing this 26-week NMBI accredited Level 8 (10 ECTS) Certificate programme is provided by University College Dublin (UCD) and University College Cork (UCC). It is delivered 2 times a year commencing February and September. It is designed to meet the learning needs of busy Registered Nurses (RNs), by providing a flexible (blended) learning environment. Theoretical learning will be examined using a Case Study Presentation and an end of module MCQ examination. Clinical learning will be examined through the attainment of Clinical Competencies in student’s employment setting.”

Sinead O’Hara - CPSN

“I started my career in Cork and travelled to UK and Saudi. When I returned to Ireland, I started my critical care journey here in Beaumont hospital 2 years ago. I am now currently working as one of the CPSN’s here in the intensive care unit for the last year. I thoroughly enjoy the ever changing dynamic in the intensive care environment. I take great pride in teaching and supporting colleagues and new members of our intensive care team.”

Geri Brady - CPSN

“I too am part of the ICU CPSN team. Prior to Beaumont ICU I worked in the UK as an ICU nurse for 10 years, it was here my passion for nurse education began. For the last 4 years I’ve been part of the ICU education team. My interests include patient safety in particular medication management and safety. I enjoy organising and facilitating unit specific study days. Over the years I‘ve encountered many great role models and I now strive to impart the knowledge and experience I have gained to new ICU nurses.”

Jennifer Riordan – Critical Care Course Co – ordinator

“I have recently taken up my new post as the critical care course co – ordinator here in the intensive care unit within the last year. I have more than 6 years intensive care nursing experience which has opened up so many doors for me both on a professional and personal level.

I am delighted to be able to teach and impart some of the invaluable knowledge and skills I have learnt throughout my career to upcoming post graduate students. The course consists of academic (exams and assignments) as well as practical assessments and continued learning and developmental competencies.

Without a doubt, Beaumont Intensive Care Unit is a special directorate that allows a person to gain invaluable experience and skills, develop to their full potential and opens up ample learning and professional opportunities.

It is a privilege to be a part of such a diverse and experienced team of educators!”