DkIT Nursing Student and Louth Rose Chloe Moran Ready to Represent Dundalk in Tralee

A past pupil of St Vincent’s Secondary School, the 23-year-old is excited to showcase her home town and County. 

“Everyone is buzzing in Dundalk. Beyond the town, it is such a great opportunity to show off Louth, it may be a wee county but it is full of people with big hearts!”

Chloe began her third level journey in Queen’s University Belfast at just 16 years old where she studied Biomedical Science. Although she really enjoyed her course, Chloe admits that the size of the college and being away from home was quite overwhelming at times.

 “The day I graduated from Queen’s was such a proud moment, because I was really young and I really missed home, but I did it!”

Missing home and eager to pursue a career that would allow her to make a direct difference in people's lives, Chloe returned to Dundalk and enrolled in the General Nursing programme at DkIT. While her time studying Biomedical Science had been rewarding, it was her experience working with blood samples in the laboratory that ultimately inspired her move into nursing.

“We would be testing samples and they would come back positive for cancer or another illness. I would always wonder who the person was and how they were,” she said.

Seeing only one part of a patient's journey left Chloe wanting a more people-centred career.

“I wanted to be with people and help them when they got the news. I also love talking to people, so I knew nursing would be a good fit for me.”

Nursing was also close to home. Inspired by her mother's career in the profession—and her own journey back to education as a mature student at DkIT—Chloe felt confident she had found the right path.

“We’re like a little family in DkIT, there is such great trust, she said, reflecting on the support she has received in both her studies and her role as the Louth Rose. “The lecturers really look after you and you can go to them if there is any type of problem, they really want you to do well.”

From Dundalk, to Drogheda to Monaghan, Chloe’s placements have brought her to multiple wards including theatre, ICU, orthopaedics and two of her favourite experiences; maternity and paediatrics. 

Over her three years at DkIT, she has got used to the long nursing shifts, usually from 8am to 8pm.

 “In third year, you have more experience, so are expected to take more initiative,” she said. “Getting observations done, getting patients ready for their day and updating patients on what’s next, scans or bloods or whatever they need.”

Chloe’s paediatric placement was one of the toughest but most rewarding. Finding herself on the ward during RSV season was intense, but Chloe said it was a vital learning experience.  

“The nurses were all so busy and for me being thrown in was the best thing because that’s how I learn, I felt like I thrived on that placement.”

Focusing on her future career motivates Chloe through exam and placement pressure. “It will all be worth it when I’m qualified and I’m in a job I really love.”  Even on the toughest days, she says a smile from a patient or chat with another nurse usually helps. 

As she moves in to her final year in September, balancing studies and placement with the role of Louth Rose will no doubt be a busy time, but it is a challenge Chloe is confident that she can handle. 

“I think I can take a lot of my nursing qualities in to being a Rose. I just love being with people so I don’t think managing both will stress me out at all!”

As her time to join the other Roses in Tralee fast approaches, Chloe is embracing every moment of the experience. She commends her neighbours in Belfry Avenue for encouraging her to put herself forward for the experience, knowing she would be a great fit and they would all be supporting her every step of the way. 

“Our street is the way streets used to be years ago, everybody helps each other out It's really, really lovely, “according to Chloe.

Her Rose experience to date has been something she will always remember. Chloe has been involved with groups including the Louth Disability Cycling Club, visited the Birches and Tredagh Lodge Dementia Day Centres, and been supported by many local businesses. She also held a Charity Night in the Lisdoo in aid of the Tie Wrap Gang, a group of dedicated Dundalk FC supporters, supporting charities in the Louth Area, raising almost €2,500.

“The main thing that has stood out to me is how much of a Positive impact my Rose Journey has had on the people around me. I feel as if I am sharing my experience and that’s a huge part of the Rose of Tralee, embracing the places and people that have shaped who you are.”

Whether she's caring for patients on placement, studying in DkIT, or preparing to take to the Rose of Tralee stage, Chloe remains proudly rooted in Dundalk. As she heads to Tralee this August, she looks forward to representing the community spirit of both Louth and DkIT on a national stage.