On Friday 29th August 2025, St. Michael’s House proudly celebrated a historic milestone with the graduation of our first group of Registered Nurses in Intellectual Disabilities (RNIDs).
On the year of our 70th anniversary, these graduates became the very first cohort of St. Michael’s House-trained RNIDs. As St Michael’s House Director of Nursing Fidelma Flannery reflected, “You will always hold that place in the story of St. Michael’s House.”
A Partnership for Change
The student placements were part of St. Michael’s House’s partnership with our long-standing colleagues in Dublin City University (DCU). This collaboration highlighted the value of investing in the next generation of nursing professionals while also strengthening the organisation’s influence within the sector.
This achievement is deeply aligned with our Strategic Plan, particularly:
Goal 3 | Valuing and Investing in Our Staff
By offering placements, mentorship, and a high-quality training environment, St. Michael’s House has nurtured and supported these graduates from their first days as students to their transition into qualified RNIDs. This milestone demonstrates our ongoing commitment to staff development, education, and professional growth. It reinforces our role as an employer of choice that prioritises learning, resilience, and leadership among our teams.
Goal 4 – Learning from and Influencing the Sector, Government and Society
The programme has also positioned St. Michael’s House as a leader and innovator in nurse education and intellectual disability practice. By partnering with DCU and demonstrating the importance of specialist RNIDs, we are influencing how future nursing programmes are designed, while also contributing to a broader societal understanding of the role of intellectual disability nurses. The experiences and expertise gained through this initiative will continue to shape best practice, guide policy, and strengthen the voice of St. Michael’s House at national level.
This programme was made possible thanks to the vision, leadership, and collaboration of many:
- Gráinne Bourke and Anne Marie O’Reilly, who led the development of the programme with the support of the St Michael’s House Board of Directors and Executive Management Team.
- Dawn Coyle, for her significant contribution to programme development and her ongoing work in Nurse Practice Development.
- Michael McKeown and our partners at DCU, whose commitment to partnership helped bring the programme to life.
- Ami Purcell, who fulfilled the dual roles of Clinical Placement Coordinator and Student Allocations Officer, supporting not only St. Michael’s House students but also many external students on placement across the service.
- The mentors and preceptors across clinical placements, who guided and encouraged students throughout their learning journey.
The Role of RNIDs
Registered Nurses in Intellectual Disabilities have always been a key profession in health and social care supports for people with intellectual disabilities. They bring specialist nursing expertise, combining a holistic approach with a strong evidence base that addresses disparities in healthcare for this population.
Reflecting on the graduating class, Fidelma Flannery, Director of Nursing said:
“Having met each of you, I feel very confident that the lives of those you work with will be positively impacted and your practice will continue to reduce the inequities faced by people with disabilities.”
Voices of the Graduates
During interviews, graduates spoke with passion about their proudest achievements in training, which included:
- Supporting people to take part in social activities and special occasions through communication and planning.
- Breaking down barriers in healthcare by educating other professionals about supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
- Providing compassionate end-of-life care and supporting individuals and families through these experiences.
Their reflections captured the true essence of what it means to be an RNID.
Resilience and Dedication
This cohort began their nurse education in one of the most challenging periods in healthcare history, the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these circumstances, they demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and commitment to completing their studies. Their placements across St. Michael’s House and other healthcare settings gave them invaluable experience and a deeper understanding of diverse models of care.
Looking Forward
As these new Staff Nurses begin their careers, they carry forward everything they have learned and experienced into their practice. They are ready to act as leaders within their teams and to continue to develop as confident and skilled practitioners.
St. Michael’s House remains committed to supporting these graduates, and all our staff, in their ongoing professional development, living out our strategic goal of valuing and investing in our staff while also influencing broader practice and policy across the sector.
Fidelma Flannery offered a final message of congratulations,
“Be proud of everything you have achieved. Remember to support each other as you have done throughout your training. It is with immense pride that I say congratulations, Class of 2025, as you begin your next exciting chapter as St. Michael’s House Registered Nurses in Intellectual Disabilities.”
Ends