Carlow nurse hailed by students for outstanding dedication to training at Carlow hospital

A Carlow nurse has been singled out for high praise after students graduating from the South East Technological University (SETU) highlighted her exceptional dedication to their clinical training.

Anne Heapes, a Registered General Nurse at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Carlow, was nominated by this year's B.Sc. (Honours) in Psychiatric Nursing graduates for SETU's Preceptor of the Year award, a recognition driven entirely by student feedback.

SETU students spend four years training across HSE services in the South East, including placements in the 63-bed Sacred Heart Hospital. Each student is assigned a Preceptor, a nurse who mentors, supervises, and guides them through hands-on practice.

During this year's graduations, Anne's name stood out.

READ MORE | Carlow has the fifth highest rate of people on jobseekers payments in the country

At a presentation of flowers from her colleagues, Director of Nursing Jenny Dowling praised both the hospital's ongoing commitment to training and Anne's remarkable impact.

"We are always pleased at the Sacred Heart to facilitate the diversity of training afforded to the SETU graduates in Psychiatric Nursing. We have been playing our part for some time now in helping provide a solid foundation to these students' professional development.

"In our own, small way, it is a lasting contribution to the delivery of quality, safe and effective mental health care locally, nationally and internationally."

READ MORE | Join Active Carlow for their Christmas women’s hike this December

"We are delighted, therefore, to recognise Anne Heapes' contribution. The students' citation on Anne's nomination puts it so well:

"Anne could not have done more to support me during my clinical placement. Her dedication to my learning was unwavering. Anne consistently went above and beyond to ensure I felt confident, capable, and well-prepared.

"Anne created a supportive and encouraging environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and reflecting on my practice. Anne's guidance, patience, and expertise made a lasting impact on my development, and I am incredibly grateful for the experience of learning under her supervision."