An evaluation of a pilot hybrid programme of Post Registration Children's Nurse Education. A partnership with SAOLTA University Health Care Group, the School of Nursing and Midwifery Trinity College Dublin and Children's Health Ireland, 2022- 2023

Abstract

An extensive examination of children’s nursing in Ireland was conducted in 2019-2021 resulting in the publication of Leading the Way: A National Strategy for the Future of Children’s Nursing 2021-2031 (HSE 2021). During the extensive consultation process in the development of this strategy, frustration was expressed at the lack of flexible options to obtain a post-registration Registered Children’s Nurse (RCN) qualification. Thus, the strategy proposed that consideration must be given to the development of flexible education pathways for registered nurses with no formal qualification in order to register as children’s nurses. This report outlines an evaluation of a pilot hybrid post-registration education pathway in which candidates undertook The Higher Diploma in Children’s Nursing as registered students with Trinity College Dublin (TCD) while completing their clinical placements across Saolta University Health Care Group (Saolta) and Childrens Health Ireland (CHI). While there were students employed by CHI also on the programme, this evaluation focusses specifically on the Saolta element of the programme which commenced in 2022.