Nurses who began training in Cork during covid show dedication to graduate at CUH

CUH said the nurses showed 'extraordinary resilience, adaptability, and dedication in the face of unprecedented challenges' during their training.

A class of student nurses who had a challenging start to their training during the pandemic in 2020 graduated at Cork University Hospital this week.

The 48 BSc. General Nurses took part in the moving ‘Blessing of the Hands’ ceremony to mark the end of their four-year training programme.

Hundreds of student nurses around the country began their six-week training placements in hospitals during March 2020, just as the worst of the early stages of the pandemic hit Ireland.

Helen Cahalane, Director of Nursing at CUH, said they were all extremely proud of this group of students.

“Their journey has not been easy, but their dedication and strength have been inspiring,” she said.

They are entering the healthcare profession at a critical time, and we are confident they will continue to make a profound difference in the lives of our patients.

CUH said the nurses showed “extraordinary resilience, adaptability, and dedication in the face of unprecedented challenges” during their training.

“They bring hands-on experience and a unique capacity to positively impact patient care and the broader healthcare sector,” a spokesman said.

He added: “CUH acknowledges the unwavering effort of these nurses completing their studies amidst the pressures of a global health crisis, exemplifying a new generation of nurses equipped to thrive in the complexities of modern healthcare.” 

Anju Menon, National Clinical Placement Coordinator Section Education Officer with the INMO, shared congratulations with the students online, saying they were “a fantastic group of professionals”.