The winner of this year’s Preceptor of the Year award was Orla Quirke. Orla works on St Brendan’s Ward in the Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee, Co. Kerry. Deirdre Lynch, a first-year student, studying in Tralee Institute of Technology nominated Orla for the award.

This award recognises the vital work of preceptors and their importance to nursing and midwifery education. The award is generously sponsored by Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd.

Preceptor of the year award 2014: Pictured at the ADC were: (l-r): Ivan Ahern, director of marketing and distribution, Cornmarket; Orla Quirke, winner of the preceptor of the year award; Claire Mahon, INMO president; and Liam Doran, INMO general secretary

Making the nomination, Deirdre said that Orla’s enthusiastic approach to both the patients in her care and the students was “palpable”.

“Orla always made time to answer my questions and to check on how my clinical placement was going. I would say Orla’s professionalism and genuine interest are inspirational both to me, presently as a student nurse and for my future in nursing.

“Orla’s eagerness to teach is admirable and very much welcomed. She put me at my ease and encouraged me every step of my placement,” said Deirdre.

ADC - Tralee nurse announced as 2014 ‘Preceptor of the Year’