8th June, 2017

Cork University Hospital Nursing Conference, “Leadership in Clinical Nursing”

A group of nurses from practice development, nurse education and clinical practice in Cork

University Hospital planned, organised and facilitated a conference for nurses in Cork University

Hospital on Tuesday 23rd May, 2017.

Category 1 approval and 6 NMBI CEUs was awarded by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

for registered nurses participating in and attending the conference.

The theme of this the second CUH Nursing Conference is reflected in the title of the event

“Leadership in Clinical Nursing”.

The aim of this conference was to discuss, reflect, demonstrate and share examples of leadership in

nursing practice which enhance patient care from a wide variety of clinical settings, within and

outside of Cork University Hospital.

The objectives of this conference were:

To enhance continuing professional development of nurses

Contribute to the development of knowledge, skills, competence and attitudes of nurses

To support shared learning across nursing practice areas

The conference opened with an address from Ms. Helen Cahalane, A/DON, followed by a thought

provoking report from Professor Jonathan Drennan on the topic of safe staffing levels, and the

evidence endorsing the protected role of the CNM2 as a nurse leader. Professor Zena Moore gave an

inspirational and motivating talk on the importance of all nurses staying connected to their roots as

nurses and how the fundamental core values of nursing underpin all areas of nursing practice.

Ms. Eilish Hawe (CUH), Professor Jonathan Drennan (UCC), Professor Zena Moore (RCSI) Ms. Helen Cahalane

(A/DON CUH)

A varied and interesting day of presentations ensued, on topics as diverse as the theme of journey

versus destination to a leadership role as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, leadership styles, being a

mindful leader.A staff nurse, resuscitation officer and ANP in Cardiology shared their research, work

projects and role expansion as leaders in their areas of clinical practice. A new initiative, facilitating

easier identification of patient status from a bed management perspective provided another

example of nursing leadership, and the potential for enhancing the patient’s journey through an

acute care facility. Examples of leadership in the area of transfer and transport of critically ill

patients, co-ordination of organ donation, and nurse as leaders in sepsis detection and management

in ED provided further excellent examples of nurses as leaders in a broad spectrum of nursing

spheres. The conference concluded with a reflective talk from Ms. Anne Power (Wellness at Work

Co-ordinator) on the habits of a healthy brain.

Ms. Sarah Watkins(UHL) Ms. Mary Doyle(CUH), Ms. Breda Doyle(CUH), Ms. Fidelma Collins

O’Connor (CUH), Ms. Carmel Buckley (Director NMPDU Cork/Kerry)

Presentations were from professors of Nursing from both UCC and RCSI, CUH staff nurses, Clinical

Nurse Managers, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and Assistant Director of

Nursing, as well as a research nurse from UHL.

A poster competition was held; again offering evidence of nurses of all grades, in all areas displaying

leadership in clinical practice.

The winning poster was awarded to Michelle Howard and Debbie Morton, from Mallow General

Hospital. Their poster was titled: “Implementing the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool(MUST)in

Mallow General Hospital utilising Leadership skills”.

Ms. Michelle Howard and Ms.Debbie Morton, (Mallow General Hospital).

The day was evaluated very positively by all involved, and is now an annual event in the CUH Nursing

calendar.

Ms. Brid Desmond, Ms. Órla Goulding, Ms. Ann Marie Galvin, Ms. Mary O’Sullivan, Ms. Bébhinn

O’Sullivan, Ms. Eilish Hawe (CUH Conference Committee )

Mary O Sullivan, RNT, on behalf of the Organising Committee