Alumni Story: An Interview with Eithne Mullen, Director of Strategy, Transformation & Improvement for the Ireland East Hospital Group

A graduate of UCD’s Professional Certificate in Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, Eithne Mullen is the Director of Strategy, Transformation & Improvement for the Ireland East Hospital Group. In this role, she leads and supports a culture of Continuous Improvement across our 11 hospitals, using ‘Lean Principles’ and A3 thinking. Here, Eithne takes some time out of her busy schedule to tell us about her career…

What led you to study nursing?

I have always enjoyed working with people. I volunteered with adults with Intellectual Disabilities when I was younger and found it incredibly rewarding. I realised that I wanted to be in a profession where I could make a tangible difference in people's lives. I knew Nursing would allow me to achieve this. Helping people was something I loved, and I wanted a career that aligned with that ideal.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying nursing?

I would advise getting some experience in a hospital, a care setting or an organisation where there is opportunity to engage and interact directly with patients/service users and staff. As a nurse, your role involves supporting patients’ needs and advocating on their behalf. It requires the ability to engage and navigate communication, interactions and expectations of other staff members, disciplines and families. Volunteering can give you valuable insight and experience. This exposure will help you confirm your interest in nursing and assist you in understanding the complexities of the role, both in terms of social interactions, practical aspects and the scientific elements of nursing.

What is your fondest memory from your time at UCD?

As a postgraduate student at UCD, I appreciated the collegiality among the fellow students on my courses. The sense of community, sharing experiences and knowledge, and continuously expanding my knowledge base were all highlights of my time there.

What is the proudest moment of your career to date?

One of my proudest moments was achieving accreditation as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner. The role of the Advanced Nurse Practitioner did not exist in Ireland when I started nursing so I am delighted to have had the opportunity to work as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in the Emergency Department. It is an amazing job and definitely one that makes a significant difference to patient experience and outcomes.

What have been the most challenging aspects of your career?

The challenges have most often related to advancing nursing practice and creating an environment of understanding and acceptance for advanced practice roles. There were times when colleagues, both within nursing and interdisciplinary teams, doubted and challenged the validity of the Advanced Nurse Practitioner role. Overcoming these challenges required relationship building, trust, perseverance and the ability to foster incremental change relating to the understanding of these roles.

Did you witness anything during the pandemic that made you particularly proud to be a nurse?

Yes! During the pandemic I had the opportunity to help set up a rehabilitation unit from scratch in a community-based setting. Witnessing the enthusiasm, dedication and teamwork among nurses, medical colleagues and HSCP’s was amazing. Despite the challenges, we managed to provide exceptional care, enabling patients to make remarkable recoveries. It emphasised the importance of reablement and rehabilitation for our patients, and the strength of collective efforts.

Who have been the most inspiring or helpful mentors/advisors in your career or personal life?

I've had several inspiring mentors. I particularly recollect my time in London working in the emergency department, often in the most challenging of environments or circumstances where patients were at their most vulnerable. The leadership demonstrated by my senior nursing colleagues emphasised the importance of maintaining dignity and respect at all times for patients and staff. The need to adapt a person-centred approach ensuring inclusivity and psychological safety and the importance of having an adaptive leadership style to support the various challenges. Their mentoring shaped my approach to nursing and patient care, emphasising the value of respect, teamwork and leadership by example.

How has ongoing professional development helped your career?

Ongoing professional development has been crucial. I firmly believe that personal and professional growth never stops. I've taken every available opportunity to advance my professional development and enjoyed the challenges that this has brought. Engaging in interdisciplinary learning has been particularly rewarding, reflecting the evolution of nursing education towards greater collaboration with medical and other healthcare disciplines.

What advice would you give to nursing students?

Nursing is a fantastic career; it is hard work but very rewarding. You will meet fantastic people throughout your career and make amazing friendships. Take an active role in your learning. Identify what areas of nursing you’re interested in and pursue experiences that align with those interests. It's also important to recognise what you don't want to do in nursing, as this clarity can help guide your career path. And remember, there’s never a perfect time to start something new. Life will always present challenges, but starting is the most important step.

What do you do to relax? Tell us a bit about your current life, family, and hobbies.

I enjoy pilates, sports, socialising, good food and wine, and spending time with my family. These activities help me unwind and maintain a balance between my professional and personal life.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The best advice I've received is to take opportunities that come your way, even if they take you out of your comfort zone. When I had the chance to work in education and lecturing in London, it was daunting, but I decided to go for it. It turned out to be a fantastic learning experience and something I thoroughly enjoyed. There is never a perfect time to start new things, be it further study or a new job, don’t delay for perfection!