Maria Ryan Email & Phone Number

Based on a busy General Surgery and Urology ward catering for children of all ages, from babies who are only hours old to patients up to 18 years. Working on this ward involves basic pre- and post operative nursing care, as well as meeting the various complex medical, social and emotional needs of these patients. I have become a competent and confident surgical and urology nurse while working here. I have developed a large knowledge base in these areas and developed skills which I have various opportunities to practice. I daily assess, plan and carry out nursing care for my patients. This involves medication administration, nutrition and hydration assessment and management, hygiene and personal cares, emotional support for both the patient and parents/guardians as well as advocating for the patients in various aspects of their care.This ward has 4 Neonatal High Dependency beds. I have acquired the skills necessary to care for unwell or deteriorating infants needing these beds. I have been involved in emergency arrest situations requiring ventilation and/or transfer to NICU/PICU and care of the dying infant. I regularly care for neonates and am often required to offer further support to parents eg breastfeeding mothers, family centred care with siblings etc.I have also been involved in supporting junior staff members as they join the multi disciplinary team on the ward and have been a mentor to various nursing students. This has helped both my teaching abilities and confidence in the knowledge I have gained from working here.As this ward is based in the large surgical department in GOSH I have also had to opportunity to work as relief on various other surgical wards including the orthopaedic, spinal and ENT wards.

University College Cork

I gained experience in various wards and departments throughout the hospital. From working in these environments and with different members of the multi-disciplinary team, I was able to use the theory I had learned while at University to carry out my clinical placements, learning new skills along the way.I developed time management skills, gained greater responsibility and became more familiar with clinical assessments. I frequently carried out pre and post-op care. I demonstrated safe, evidence-based practice by linking theory and practice. I also exhibited confidence and composure in dealing with difficult scenarios. I continuously sought out opportunities to further my learning

Duties included assisting patients with activities of daily living, assistance with hygiene, nutrition and other personal needs. I was also responsible for ward stock and patient menu's. I worked in various hospitals, nursing homes and care facilities. I was able to identify differences in ward to ward management which also contributed greatly to my nursing profession. The experience I gained working as a healthcare assistant was invaluable for my nursing career.

Duties included tending to customers at the tills and deli counter, ordering and staking stock, opening and closing the shop. I gained huge experience in communication with customers as well as having the responsibilities that come with opening and closing the shop and handling large amounts of cash.

Bsc (Hons) Children'S And General Nursing (Integrated), Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, 2.1

Leaving Certificate, 520/600 Points Awarded

Activities and Societies: Soccer, Basketball, Choir