Emma Dixon

On completion of the Leaving Certificate in 2009 I applied to Monaghan Institute where I studied Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 and the following year, I progressed to Level 6. In September 2020 I returned to Monaghan Institute to study Level 5 Health Service Skills course as a mature student. This course provided a range of modules such as Care of the Older Person, Care Support, Infection Prevention and Control and Work Experience to mention but a few. During the pandemic I was very lucky to secure Work Experience in my local nursing home, where I gained significant knowledge and practical experience. The tutors gave everyone in the course excellent help and support throughout this time. I achieved a certificate in Health Service Skills in June 2021. In view of my achievement, I decided to further my education in this field and have now commenced Level 6 Applied Social Studies at Monaghan Institute.

Course Studied: Level 5 Health Service Skills

Megan Mohan

Before entering Monaghan Institute I completed the LCA. Following this I decided to do a PLC course in the Institute, in Health Service Skills. As well as studying a range of modules, we had an opportunity to gain Work Experience in an area of our own choice. I completed mine in an Alzheimer's day unit and a Nursing Home. In both places I gained considerable experience. These opportunities consolidated my decision to pursue a career in Social Care. I completed Level 5 Health Service Skills course and I have now progressed to Athlone Institute of Technology, to study Level 7 in Social Care. I would highly recommend Monaghan Institute, the tutors were very helpful and supportive and they were always there to help us and guide us in the right direction.

Course Studied: Level 5 Health Service Skills

Marcella Boyle

I had previously worked as a care worker in Monaghan Hospital and had taken time off to look after my young family. My plan was that someday in the future I would return to this type of work. However, as the years passed and the qualification requirements advanced I found it very daunting. I was particularly concerned about the level of Literacy and IT skills that were required.
I attended an Open Evening in Monaghan Institute and was encouraged to enrol for the Level 5 Health Service Skills course, which I knew I needed in order to return to employment and pursue the career that I had in the past.

We studied nine modules, all pertinent to the area that I was interested in. One of those modules was Work Experience, this enables you to gain practical experience in an area of your choice. I chose a Nursing home; however, you are free to select any place that you feel will meet your needs. You are allocated one day per week and a three-week block placement to enable you to gain experience. This really boosted my confidence and increased my knowledge and skills. I was delighted to receive an offer of employment, as an Activities Coordinator, in this facility on completion of the course.
As a mature student I would highly recommend Monaghan Institute to anyone seeking employment or wanting to advance their education. The facilities are excellent and the college offers a wide variety of courses. The tutors were extremely helpful and assisted and supported me throughout the year which was of great benefit to me.

Course Studied: Level 5 Health Service Skills

Sinead Meegan

Having been made redundant in May 2015, from a job that I’d held for almost twenty years, the decision to return to education was not an easy one for me. After some consideration I decided to pursue the Health Service Skills course at Monaghan Institute and from very early on I knew that I had made the right choice.

I found the course tutors to be extremely approachable and supportive. The facilities were excellent, providing the opportunity to gain some practical skills before entering the work place. The modules themselves were very interesting, in particular the Work Experience module, which offered students the opportunity get out into the workplace and gain hands on experience in their chosen area of care.

Before completing the course, I attended an interview at a local nursing home and was successful in securing a job there. I took up the position of Health Care Assistant on completion of my final exams. I would highly recommend Monaghan Institute to anyone, seeking to gain employment or pursue further educational opportunities.

Course Studied: Level 5 Health Service Skills

Colleen Friskey

I joined Monaghan Institute as a mature student to study Health Service Skills. The decision to go back into full time education wasn’t easy as I had been out of work for so long, being a full time single mother, but this was a course I had an interest in and was keen to pursue. I enjoyed the Health Care Support course, although at times, it was daunting.

The programme consists of both theory and development of practical skills. One of the modules I studied was Work Experience. I choose an elderly care unit as my placement. Not only did it o er me hands on experience, but it also consolidated my career choice.

Within a month of completion of the Health Service Skills course I attended two job interviews for positions in Nursing homes and was offered both. Currently I am working as a part time carer for the elderly in a local Nursing home and still have time to spend with my family.

My tutors gave me amazing support throughout the academic year and there was an abundance of assistance from all the staff if needed. I would recommend Monaghan Institute to young and old, as it has a positive atmosphere all year round and guides all towards success and fulfilling their ambition.

Course Studied: Level 5 Health Service Skills

CarolAnn Mulligan

I knew that I wanted to work in the area of care, however I wasn’t quite sure what area of care I might like and where I could put my personal skills to their best use. I knew Nursing wasn’t something I wanted to pursue as a career. I looked at Monaghan Institute prospectus and spoke to people about the courses. Social Studies was a course that appealed to me and I hoped that by during the course I would develop an insight into different areas of care. Also, that work placement might facilitate development of experience to match that knowledge.

Social Studies is a broad course, with links to many Higher Education courses. The content of the course is very interesting, in particular Social Studies and Psychology. Along with being the most interesting they were also the most challenging modules.

The course provided me with knowledge and understanding about the different types of careers in social care and clients you could work with in this field. I learned that this career is about working in partnership with people who are marginalized, disadvantaged or have learning or physical disabilities.

Monaghan Institute provided me with all that I needed to achieve in this course. From the outset staff were very helpful, they see each student as an individual and were accessible, approachable and supportive throughout the year. We had speakers in from different fields of Social Care, along with input from career guidance which informed us of potential routes for progression.

Having learned so much about Social Studies, the course has prepared me for Higher Education in this area. I know now, that this is the field I want to work in. I have progressed to the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Applied Social Studies in Monaghan Institute. I hope that I can excel this year and gain more experience in a different placement. I plan to progress to third level from here, and know that if I work really hard, and get the required Distinctions, I can gain entry into the second year of a degree in Social Care in Higher Education.

Kevin McGuirk

I was afraid of what the future held for me in terms of education and supports, I wasn’t great academically, having had difficulties with studying and exams, along with little experience of writing assignments. I expected to struggle to keep up with my peers and achieve. I soon realised that Monaghan Institute was different. A meeting was arranged to discuss my needs, before I commenced the course. I received excellent resource support helping me with assignment structure and organising work to meet deadlines throughout the year. This support also helped me plan ahead for work that was coming, including a time table for studying effectively for the exams, helping me achieve my full potential. The tutors offered great support and encouragement during the year and helped me when I was having difficulties.

Monaghan Institute’s Guidance Counsellor explained the options available to me for progression from Level 5 to Higher Education and advised me about supports, including the application for the DARE scheme. Studying in Monaghan Institute has been one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable experiences of my life. I successfully completed the Applied Social Studies course, achieving Distinctions in many components, a great foundation for progressing.

I am now studying a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Applied Social Studies. I remain in contact with my tutors in Monaghan Institute. This was a great start to my third level education and the Applied Social Studies course was very relevant to my progression. I have learned about college life, the supports available to me and how to access them as I progress. I look forward with confidence to my future in education, due to the positive experiences in Monaghan Institute and my self-belief has changed as a result of the wonderful support I received there.

Lisa Wilkin

I studied the Level 5 Applied Social Studies & Psychology Course at Monaghan Institute. On completion of this, I progressed to study the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Applied Social Studies. As a direct result of completing both courses at MI, I am currently working as a relief support worker in a day care centre with adults with disabilities in Cavan. I feel confident in my role as I have gained the knowledge and work experience needed to work in this field. In September 2021, I hope to return to Monaghan Institute to complete the degree in Health and Social Care through LYIT outreach delivery in MI.

Course Studied: Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Applied Social Studies

Francis Matthews

Having been made redundant from a lengthy career in manufacturing in early 2015, I had an opportunity to reassess my career options. The thought of re-entering the education system at my age, made me hesitant, but with the support and encouragement of my family, I agreed to attend the Monaghan Institute Open Day in 2015.

Being heavily involved with the local youth in my area as a community volunteer and enjoying interaction with other people, I was looking for a career that I could combine my passion for both. Unsure of what direction to take, I browsed the MI prospectus and decided to seek some more information on courses in the Health and Social Care section.

At the Open Day I was immediately put at ease by the friendly and helpful MI Staff, with regards to my apprehension as a Mature Student. I was also given appropriate advice in relation to the choice of course that should pursue. I applied that day for the QQI Health Service Skills Level 5 Course and thankfully was accepted.

From the moment I entered the MI’s fantastic new building, I found all the course tutors and other members of staff always supportive and willing to go out of their way to help. The facilities were second to none which only encouraged me to try to achieve the highest standards I could during my course.

During this time, I was required to seek a work placement within a relevant setting. I secured my work experience in two Primary Schools in the Cavan and Monaghan area, both schools with Special Needs Units. This proved to be a tremendously enlightening experience for me. I became aware of the skills and qualities that were required to assist the children. It also made me realise that a career as a Special Needs Assistant was the route I wished to pursue.

I successfully completed the Level 5 in Health Service Skills in May 2016 and in September 2016, I decided to further my studies. This time opting to return to MI for the QQI Advanced Certificate in Applied Social Studies Level 6 course. The modules delivered in the Level 6 programme, especially Rehabilitation Practice, Disability Awareness and Person-Centred Planning consolidated my knowledge and skills. Team Working further enhanced my communication skills, self-awareness and ability to critically reflect. Work Experience is also a component of this course and I was able to secure my work placement in a school for children with special needs. This enabled me to gain more experience in this field, thereby enhancing my career prospects.

I successfully completed my course in May 2017. I achieved my goal and secured employment as a SNA in a local Secondary School. I can’t thank all of the staff of Monaghan Institute enough for their support and guidance as I progressed through an uncertain crossroad in my life.

Course Studied: Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Applied Social Studies

Social Studies – Did you know?

Social care workers plan and provide professional, individual or group care to clients with personal and social needs. Client groups are varied and include children and adolescents in residential care; young people in detention schools; people with intellectual or physical disabilities; people who are homeless; people with alcohol/drug dependency; families in the community; or older people. Social care workers strive to support, protect, guide and advocate on behalf of clients.

Social care work is based on interpersonal relationships which require empathy, strong communication skills, self-awareness and an ability to use critical reflection. Teamwork and interdisciplinary work are also important in social care practice. The core principles underpinning social care work are similar to those of other helping professions, and they include respect for the dignity of clients; social justice; and empowerment of clients to achieve their full potential. Through their training, social care workers are equipped to optimise the personal and social development of those with whom they work.