The General Nursing Team at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has received the prestigious Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) Award from the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

The awards are presented to discipline groups who can demonstrate a record of excellence in teaching and learning enhancement and who commit to an ongoing, clearly articulated, shared process of continued enhancement. 

Under the leadership of General Nurse Lecturer Ann Everitt-Reynolds, the General Nursing Team is a disciplinary group within the Department of Nursing, Midwifery, and Early Years. This team unites academic and professional staff, clinical partners, and students who are dedicated to improving learning, teaching, and assessment practices. They deliver high-quality education to both full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students, ensuring alignment with the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

Ann Everitt-Reynolds, Programme Director in General Nursing / Lecturer / Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years, School of Health and Science said:

“It is wonderful to see the dedication of our General Nursing Team at DkIT recognised with this prestigious award. The award demonstrates the teams’ commitment to strengthening collaborations between educational and professional clinical partners. This will ensure that future nurses are equipped with the professional competencies to manage the challenges of their profession and meet the healthcare needs of the population. This award also provides the General Nursing Team with opportunities to take advantage of existing expertise and introduce innovative approaches to enhance teaching and learning and empower our students to reach their full potential." 

Dr Moira Maguire, Acting Head of School of Health and Science said:

 “I am delighted to see this well-deserved recognition of the excellence in learning and teaching that characteristises General Nursing education at DkIT.  We are very proud of the team.”

Dr Briege King, Head of Department of Nursing, Midwifery & Early Years said: 

“We are incredibly proud to receive this award and to see our General Nursing team recognised nationally for their outstanding work. Their dedication to our students is inspiring, and it's wonderful to see the team get the recognition they truly deserve. In addition to the lecturers, our clinical partners, students, Clinical Placement allocation officers and skills technicians played a key role in the application, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in achieving this fantastic award.”

During the award process, the team engaged in self-reflection using the DELTA Framework to identify their strengths and areas for growth in teaching and learning practices. The award process also involved a number of stages including a review by a panel of experts with student representation. The General Nursing team was commended on its collaboration with clinical partners and innovative teaching approaches, particularly in areas such as Universal Design for Learning principles, in addition to its provision of authentic assessments, and support for student wellbeing.

Dr Alan Wall, CEO of the Higher Education Authority, highlighted the significance of the General Nursing Team’s achievements: “The General Nursing Team’s accomplishment and commitment strengthens the connection between education and professional practice, benefiting both students and the wider healthcare community and ensures we are preparing future nurses with the skills and competencies required to meet Ireland’s healthcare needs. Their work reflects the wider national goals of promoting high-quality education and innovation.”

Since the awards were established in 2018, this marks the 33rd DELTA Award presented, and the fourth time DkIT has been honoured, including previous recognitions for the Section of Midwifery and the Department of Hospitality Studies.

Find out more about General Nursing at DkIT