Forty-one students are preparing to join Ireland’s mental health nursing workforce after completing four years of study and extensive clinical training with the Health Service Executive (HSE). The SETU Psychiatric Nursing graduates were recognised at a ceremony in Waterford this week.
The graduates completed South East Technological University’s B.Sc. (Honours) in Psychiatric Nursing, which included 80 weeks of clinical placements across HSE Dublin and South East Mental Health services. Their training began in September 2022 and included a 36-week continuous internship in the South East.
HSE honours SETU Psychiatric Nursing graduates
The ceremony, held at the Granville Hotel, brought together students, relatives, friends, university representatives and HSE staff. Each graduate received a certificate and badge marking their clinical practice achievements.
After completing their final HSE training requirements in the coming weeks, the 41 participants are expected to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland as psychiatric nurses. Registration will allow them to begin professional roles supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties across a range of services.
A tradition focused on compassionate care
The event included a “Blessing of the Hands”, led by Very Rev. Liam Power P.P. The healthcare tradition is associated with Florence Nightingale and symbolically reminds nurses that their work should be delivered with compassion, dignity and respect.
The ceremony concluded with the students reciting the Nurses Pledge, reflecting their professional commitment to safe, person-centred care.
Wide-ranging clinical experience in the South East
The HSE worked closely with SETU to provide placements across diverse mental health settings. These included:
- Acute admission and psychiatry of later life units
- Rehabilitation and recovery services
- Home-based treatment and community mental health teams
- Child and adolescent mental health services
- Liaison and substance misuse services
- Day centres, Recovery College programmes and other community supports
This range of experience gives graduates exposure to both hospital and community-based care. It also supports the development of practical skills in assessment, therapeutic communication, recovery planning and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Strengthening Ireland’s mental health workforce
HSE Nurse Practice Development Co-ordinator Emer O’Donnell said psychiatric and mental health nursing is a specialist area centred on the uniqueness of each person. She also highlighted the contribution made by students to services in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary during their placements.
SETU Mental Health Programme Lead Dr Colman Noctor described the South East training programme as a strong foundation for professional development and for delivering quality, safe and effective mental health care locally, nationally and internationally.
The graduation marks an important step for the students and for the public health system, which continues to rely on skilled nurses across inpatient, specialist and community services.
What happens next for the graduates?
The students will complete their remaining HSE training before seeking registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Once registered, they can pursue psychiatric nursing roles in mental health services and continue developing specialist expertise through workplace learning and further education.
Key takeaway: The SETU Psychiatric Nursing graduates bring four years of academic study, 80 weeks of clinical placements and practical experience across South East mental health services. Their arrival will help strengthen compassionate, person-centred care for communities throughout the region.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
