General Nursing Team at Dundalk Institute of Technology Honoured with DELTA Award

Posted: 24 October, 2024

The Higher Education Authority today announced the General Nursing Team at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) as the latest recipient of the prestigious Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) Award.

The award honours discipline groups demonstrating sustained excellence in teaching and learning enhancement across higher education institutions in Ireland.

Led by general nurse lecturer Ann Everitt-Reynolds, the General Nursing Team is a disciplinary group within the Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years.

The team brings together academic staff, professional staff, clinical partners, and students, who are committed to enhancing learning, teaching, and assessment processes.

They provide education to undergraduate and postgraduate nurses, both full-time and part-time, aligned with the standards and requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

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.

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.”

Colin Lowry, Senior Manager of Teaching and Learning at the HEA, added:

“The teams’ efforts have strengthened collaboration with clinical partners and introduced innovative teaching approaches, particularly in promoting Universal Design for Learning principles, authentic assessments, and supporting the wellbeing of their students. The team’s commitment to student success, driven by structured collaboration, sets a strong example for the sector.”

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.

The HEA and its National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education congratulate the General Nursing Team and encourage other discipline groups to apply for the DELTA Award. The next application deadline is 5 December.

The HEA and National Forum also extend their thanks to the review panel, which included Dr Suzanne Fergus (University of Hertfordshire), Bryan O’Mahony (Union of Students in Ireland), Dr Leigh Graves Wolf (University College Dublin), Dr Roisin Cahalan (University of Limerick) and Patrick Flynn (Technological University Dublin).

For further information on the DELTA Award, visit https://www.teachingandlearning.ie/awards/delta-award/.