Did you know that we provide an access route into the General Nursing degree with Atlantic Technological University (ATU)? Those who complete this one-year course not only come away with a Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies but are guaranteed a place on this degree. What is this access course like, and why should you apply? In this month’s blog, one former student, Tracey Calpin, who is now in the final year of her nursing degree, tells us about her experience.
I completed the Tertiary Access Route into General Nursing three years ago, as I always wanted to be a nurse. After becoming a mum at 18, I never thought I would ever get the chance. I worked hard jobs such as hotel housekeeping, supermarkets, and cleaning houses over the years to try to provide extra income for my family. It was always a struggle to make ends meet, but I had made peace with the fact that this would be my life. I loved my life and love my children more than anything, and now also have three grandchildren to adore.
But I decided to go to a jobs fair and heard a rumour that there would be an access route into nursing becoming available with Donegal ETB. I talked to my friends about it and felt so excited that I could have a chance to do what I always wanted, so I rang the ETB every day and was eventually sent the application form.
When it finally came, I realised that I had no qualifications or any experience that could back up my application, so I left it and thought that I was dreaming of ever thinking I could be a general nurse. My friends and family never gave up on me and helped me with the application and the interview. At every stage, I thought, ” That’s it, I won’t get any further”, but I still had the excitement that this could actually be possible.
When I got the call that I would be accepted, I was overjoyed and panicked in equal measures. How was I ever going to be able to do assignments and actually do such a hard degree?
The day came to start, and the nerves were definitely in fight or flight mode, but I met two ladies of similar age to me (who are still by my side going into 3rd year of the General Nursing degree), and the nerves settled … a bit! My tutors were amazing, and as they went through what was expected of us (five distinctions out of eight), they reassured us that they would guide and help us through every step.
As I started learning, I devoured every ounce of information that I was given and finally felt like I was where I was meant to be and on the journey to what I had always wanted to be.
I had a wonderful experience on a work placement in Donegal Hospice and was sent there again on my placement in 2nd year at ATU. The amount I had grown from that first placement and the knowledge and skills that I had were unbelievable, and I would never have thought that would be me pre-ETB.
Donegal ETB laid the foundations in me for the demands of life in ATU; I knew my biology and nursing skills, and I knew how to study and write assignments for a Level 8 degree. Without the foundations I built at Donegal ETB, the first few days in ATU would have defeated me, and I do not think I would have made it.
Since completing my course with Donegal ETB, I have been privileged to be part of many exciting things that I would never have thought a person like me could have ever been involved in. I was part of national podcasts and photoshoots in Dublin. I participated in the Teddy Bear hospital to take the fear out of young children about the hospital. I took part in a farmer’s health promotion event, talking to them about the importance of visiting the doctor and getting their vitals checked as part of the interaction.
In 2nd year, I was nominated as class representative, and through this, I restarted the Nursing Society in ATU that had not been active for many years. Through this, we had a Christmas appeal to bring cheer to older people in nursing homes by sending gifts and Christmas cards. Also, along with the help of my fellow students, I organised a Nurses’ Ball and raised almost €3,500 for the Donegal Hospice, as well as having so much fun with all the nursing years across all the disciplines.
The whole learning experience to date has been amazing, and the friendships, memories, and opportunities I have received so far will make me forever grateful to Donegal ETB for giving me the chance of a lifetime at something I never thought possible.
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In 2025, Tacey also made a video for us explaining her reasons for undertaking this course. You can view Tracey’s story here.
The Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) with Donegal ETB is now open for September applications. Apply here.