Approaching the Leaving Cert, my main interest was becoming an Accountant. After completing one year in Certified Accountancy I realised that accountancy was not for me.
Following this I decided to pursue a career in Nursing. At this stage (1985) the most suitable entry point into nursing was as a Psychiatric Student Nurse. People might ask why such a dramatic change in direction. My answer would be that I was always very interested in first aid, being a member of the Order of Malta for approximately 10 years prior to this. I also enjoyed the science subjects with special emphasis on biology. I must also add that my sister was a Registered General Nurse and she would constantly recommend it as a very exciting profession.
Following success at interview for psychiatric nursing, my dad informed me that both his parents (my Grandfather and Grandmother) were both nurses by profession. So perhaps genetics gave direction in the background. Recognising that for promotion a third level qualification would be beneficial I decided to complete a BA in Public Management (Health Stream). This assisted me on to the "management ladder" within the nursing field.
After further experience at Director of Nursing level, the importance of people within the organisation became apparent. Working with trade unions was also involved and to broaden both my knowledge and experience in both, I decided to complete the Master in Human Resources and Industrial Relations in Keele University, UK. To date this course has been of great benefit in my current position of Operations Manager, National Project Office, HSE.