Albert Murphy, director of industrial relations; Tony Fitzpatrick, director of professional services; Eilish Fitzgerald, outgoing first vice president, Executive Council; Róisín O’Connell, INMO student and new graduate officer; Erin Walsh, student nurse and nominee; Cathy Maguire, Cope Foundation, prizewinner and staff nurse; Alison Brereton, Cornmarket Group Financial Services; Nial Jordan, Cornmarket Group Financial Services; Karen McGowan, INMO president; Phil Ni Sheaghdha, INMO general secretary; Edward Mathews, INMO deputy general Secretary and Steve Pitman, INMO head of education and professional development at the presentation of the INMO Preceptor of the Year Award.

Cope Foundation nurses recognised by INMO

“We’re lucky to have so many wonderful nurses as part of our team at Cope Foundation and we love when other organisations recognise what we see in them every day.”

Those were the words of the Chief Executive of Cope Foundation, Sean Abbott, after 2 nurses from Cope Foundation received awards for supporting students on placement with the disability organisation.

Clinical Nurse Manager, Emily Murphy was presented with an Award for Recognition by UCC’s School of Nursing and Midwifery. Her students said she offered great guidance and sought multiple learning opportunities.

Cathy Maguire was named Preceptor of the Year by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO). She received the award for outstanding mentorship in nursing.

Mr Abbott added: “The Preceptor of the Year awards are particularly important because it’s all about teaching, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of nurses. The last two years have been challenging for students on placement and their mentors but these awards show how they have adapted and risen to the challenge with creativity.”

Clinical Nurse Manager, Emily Murphy said: “I am honoured to have received a Recognition Award in the School of Nursing and Midwifery Awards in UCC. I know from experience how daunting placement can be.

“Trying to meet new people, learn and be in an intensive healthcare environment can be stressful, but students always bring great motivation and enthusiasm to the floor. I love working with students and teaching them has always been a massive passion of mine.”

Cathy Maguire, Senior Staff Nurse, Cope Foundation added, “This is an incredible recognition to receive. I was so happy to be nominated, never mind win the award. It’s so important to support student nurses and lead by example. I want to say a huge thank you to Erin Walsh who nominated me. She was an outstanding nurse student, I have no doubt that she has a bright career ahead of her.”