Ian Healy and Gillian Kelly, who both work at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH), are to start the four-year study to become nurses thanks to a HSE scheme that offers 30 places to healthcare support staff who wish to retrain.
Mr Healy (45), has been a TUH porter for more than 26 years. The Clondalkin native started out at the hospital’s operating theatre before moving on to the emergency department and has spent the past 20 years working in the endoscopy unit.
“I love the interaction of patient care and have grown up in TUH. The staff here are my family,” he said. “The hospital has given me so much – and I always feel I could be doing more. Once I qualify, I intend to return and begin my nursing career right here.”
He paid tribute to his friends and colleagues for their encouragement and support.
“My good friend Joe paid for my aptitude test as a Christmas gift, and Linda, another good friend who is already studying to become a nurse, guided me through the application process. I’m so grateful to the many people in TUH who helped me get to this point.
“I was ready for a new challenge – I wanted a change in my career. Thanks to the sponsorship programme, this is now possible. I really couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter and begin studying for my degree in nursing at Trinity College Dublin (TCD).”
Mr Healy remains open about which area he may eventually specialise in, but has a keen interest in ICU nursing – “I’ve always admired the ICU staff and the work they do.”
Gillian Kelly
Gillian Kelly (38), originally from Sandyford, Dublin, has been working as a healthcare assistant at TUH for the past three years.
She currently works on Franks Ward, which specialises in orthopaedic care.
“I love the job – it’s busy, but that suits me,” she said. “I find it incredibly rewarding and interesting, especially the patient interaction. I love making patients laugh and helping them feel good about themselves when they are at their most vulnerable. A smile and a joke can uplift their mood so much.”
During the pandemic she was caring for her mother and, encouraged by her father, himself a former porter, she trained as a healthcare assistant. Her sister is already a nurse and another a phlebotomist.
Now living in Wicklow town, Ms Kelly is supported by her husband Karl and their two children, Conor (16), and Chloe (11).
“My family is proud of me. Karl is very supportive, and the kids are old enough now that I don’t have to worry about childcare, and they’ve even promised to help out more around the house during my studies.”
Áine Lynch, director of nursing and integrated care at TUH, she was very proud and delighted .
“This is a fantastic opportunity for them and a significant benefit to the hospital. Ian is a real trailblazer, being one of the first porters to be accepted into the programme.”
The sponsorship programme gives participants continued salary support during their studies and allows them return to their existing roles during academic breaks.