In 2003, the School was one of the first nursing schools in Ireland to introduce Service Learning to the Bachelor of Nursing Science program. We offer an elective module in Year 2 of this programme entitled: International Nursing: Nursing in developed and developing worlds.  The aim of the module is to develop student’s awareness of cultural diversity, and to foster social awareness, social responsibility, and community engagement.  As part requirement for this module students undertake a 4 week service learning exploration, either in Ireland or abroad, on how aspects of culture influence the health of individuals as well as the delivery of health care.

Our service learning links in developing countries include Zambia, Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. 

In 2011 Claire Dunnion, Katie Doohan and Sorcha O Connor went to Tanzania (Simanjiiro) and were delighted and excited by their experiences.
"...Even though, I had spoken to many people who had been to Africa, it was not what I expected. I was in awe of a culture I had heard so much about. I was delighted at how welcoming and friendly the Massai tribe of Tanzania were and how much we got to experience and see of their way of life and traditions. It was amazing!   It was surreal to be one day participating in their traditional wedding day activities and way of life and then next day to be standing under a tree in the bush, delivering nursing care and administering injections! Definitely an unforgettable and fantastic experience!

Supporting Nurses Overseas (SNO)

In 2007 the School established a charitable body, Supporting Nurses Overseas (SNO) to support our service learning sites by helping to improve the quality of nursing care in hospitals and communities.  This is achieved by providing funds for medical supplies/equipment, supporting education and training programmes. With the help of students, SNO continually fund raises for these sites and agrees with them each year which projects will be funded.  The focus is always on building capacity and supporting sustainability within the service learning communities.

Board Members

Professor Kathy Murphy -Chairperson
Dr. Dympna Casey -Secretary
Joan Kavanagh -Treasurer
Ms. Siobhan Smyth
Dr. Philip Larkin
Ms. Catherine Houghton 

Further details available from:

Joan Kavanagh
Email: joan.kavanagh@nuigalway.ie   
Phone: + 353 91 5691

Podcast - Dympna Casey & Lorraine Mee discuss Service Learning in Nursing with CKI

Click on the picture below for a podcast discussing service learning in nursing.

Nursing & Midwifery Service Learning Case Study Article

Click on the link to access the article in the CKI website discussing the Nursing & Midwifery module...

Click Here For Article

Summer 2011 Student's Service Learning Experiences

Click here to see Denis Brosnan and Carol Donohue's powerpoint presentation on their four week placement in the Galway Traveller Movement

Click here to see Sinead Crowe and Kelly Bruen's powerpoint presentation on The Eglington Hotel Salthill - "Asylum Seekers"

Click here to see Claire Dunnion, Katie Doohan and Sorcha O'Connor's powerpoint presentation on Tanzania

Summer 2010 Student's Service Learning Experiences

Click here to see Caroline, Olivia & Sarah's powerpoint presentation on Tanzania

Click here to see Amanda & Casandra's powerpoint presentation on Zambia

Click here to see Aoife, Emma & Sharon's powerpoint presentation on Zambia

Click here to see Christina & Siobhan's powerpoint presentation on Zambia

Blog - Past student, Siobhan Lynch while working in Kabwe, Zambia

Click on the link below for the blog on our past student Siobhan Lynch who went to work in Kabwe, Zambia for a year (July 2008 - 2009).

http://siobhaninzambia.blogspot.com/2008/07/first-week-in-kabwe.html