Chloe Moran
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.