UCC SONM 25 Year Book

UCC / School of Nursing and Midwifery

The final curriculum model was implemented in 1997 with the introduction of the Diploma in Nursing (Mental Handicap). This Programme continued until 2005 under the guidance of Mr. Jerry Buttimer (CEO), Ms. Maura Nash (CEO), Mr. Seán Abbott Director of Nursing (thereafter CEO) and Principal Nurse Tutor Ms. Nora O’Sullivan assisted by Ms. Mary Dowling, Ms. Angela Twomey, Ms. Paula Kelly and Ms. Sandra Swanton. The historical legacy commenced by John Bermingham and continued by his daughter Ms. Maura Nash (CEO, COPE up to 2014) ensured that people with an intellectual disability or who are on the autistic spectrum and their families have the healthcare, school and community services required to allow them to reach their potential and live out their lives with dignity. In 2007, COPE Foundation celebrated 50 years of service which included a conference on 21 st May and a Supplement published by the Cork Examiner (21 st May 2007) highlighted success over the years. Included was the listing of 30 residential units throughout the city and county offering services and providing clinical placement opportunities for students. The innovative methods to improve the lives of children and adults with mild to severe mental handicap were also profiled. In 2002 the BSc Intellectual Disability was introduced in UCC in collaboration with COPE, with an intake of 20 students. The programme was delivered by a small team of specialist and nursing lecturers and administrative staff at then Department of Nursing and Midwifery with input from other UCC departments. It enjoys the closest of partnerships with COPE Foundations Clinical Placement Coordinators, Allocations Liaison Officer, Nurse Practice Development Coordinator, Director of Services, Clinical Nurse Managers and Clinical Assessors. Over the 4-year programme, the ID nursing undergraduates are supervised, assessed and gain experience and competence across a wide range of practice placements in COPE Foundation’s countywide community, residential and specialist practice placements. The original degree- nursing curriculum underwent further changes in 2007, 2013 and 2018. These reflected revised standards and requirements published by the nursing regulatory body to equip RNIDs with the skills, knowledge and competencies to meet the contemporary and future needs of people with an intellectual disability in line with international developments (ABA, 2005a; NMBI, 2016). The success of the programme reflects a fruitful relationship developed between the School and COPE Foundation over the past 25 years.

Note; from 1959 to 2004 registered nurse in this specialty area were termed registered Mental Handicap Nurses (RMHN). Since 2004 they are called registered nurse in Intellectual Disability (RNID) Sweeney and Mitchell, 2009 .

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