Working Life: 'Being a nurse is one of life’s greatest privileges'

Órla Mahony, senior staff nurse, Roscommon University Hospital

Orla Mahony, staff nurse at Roscommon University Hospital. Picture: Paul Molloy.

“I’m originally from Portumna, Co Galway, but now live near Moylough, with my family and four dogs. I’ve been working in the Urgent Care Centre in Roscommon University Hospital for the last four years. The unit is comprised of three departments: A medical assessment unit, a medical day services unit, and the injury unit.

“The injury unit is open from 8am until 8pm and is very busy with all sorts of injuries. Working there really suits me, as my nursing background included working in emergency departments and as a public health nurse. I love fast-paced nursing.

“HSE injury units treat injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, sprains, and strains. They also treat dislocations and minor burns. Expert clinical teams take X-rays, apply plaster casts, and treat wounds. 

"They can provide swift access to tests, refer patients to specialist care, and arrange follow-up appointments. You can find your nearest injury unit location, along with opening hours and who they can treat, at hse.ie/injuryunits.

“Since joining the team in Roscommon, I have been able to obtain a micro-credential in prescribing ionising radiation from Trinity College Dublin and a certificate in nurse prescribing [of medicines] from NUI Galway. This means I am able to see and assess patients, order an X-ray if it is required, and prescribe pain relief.

"My mother was the biggest influence in my decision to become a nurse. She was a nurse and, when I was a child, I used to love watching her putting on her uniform, her fob watch, and name badge. I used to play ‘dress up’ as a nurse. 

When I was undertaking courses that are available to nurses now to enhance our practice, I didn’t take it for granted, because those sorts of opportunities were never available to nurses in my mother’s era.

"One thing I’m really passionate about is patient education. A recent initiative rolled out within the injury unit was the introduction of 44 different patient information leaflets. Research has shown that a well-informed patient is an empowered patient. By having all the information about the injury you have sustained, you are encouraged to take an active role in your recovery.

"Being a nurse is one of life’s greatest privileges. I feel very lucky that every day I get to do a job I love, helping my patients, surrounded by my fantastic colleagues."