My name is Orla Lane I am recently qualified as an Adult Nurse in sept 2013. I trained in the UK for 3 years and have now moved home to Ireland in search of work. The reasons for apply for this post is that I have had an interest in enhancing my nursing knowledge and I think this post will facilitate my needs. It would be a great opportunity for me. I long to get into the busy routine of nursing life. Some of the previous placements I have been lucky to have were Stroke and Rehabilitation, Orthopedic, 10 week Intensive Care and 14 week placement on a surgical ward in Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells Trust UK. I feel myself along with my sign off mentors that I am hard working and enthusiastic nurse to be and a good team player. The acute setting is the place for me and I find it hard to see myself anywhere else. I realise that this position is a busy clinical setting and I feel this is where I belong I work well under pressure. I would be grateful for this opportunity. Throughout my nurse training I have developed a sound understanding of the importance of confidentiality within this field and collaborative working.

I am applying for this post as I am passionate about my job and feel I have the ability to excel in this area. I have developed an interest in this field of nursing greatly in the last three years of my training and this opportunity stands out strongly in my mind. I will be eager and committed to this job. As part of our placements we were required to choose a four week elective placement and due to my positive interest in the acute setting I did a4 week Intensive Care placement. I chose to return to a Intensive Care in Ireland which will commenced on the 1st of July last year and then received my registration and from there on I have been working in a nursing home at home in Galway Ireland. Whilst working on each of my placements I felt included as part of the team and this was evident in the excellent feedback received on each occasions.

Skills and knowledge

I believe I have excellent communication skills and customer care through clinical placements and through working as a customer assistant in the past. I have the ability to work with all ages and can adapt my body language, tone of voice and the selection of words whether it is speaking with adults at work or young adults. I also have great communication skills from attending several varied placements, meeting new teams and fitting well within these teams whether it was for a short or long period of time.

I have come across difficult and angry patients and their family's on numerous placements and this has helped me develop the ability to keep calm and defuse situations. I feel there are many transferable skills I can carry from from previous placements into working as a nurse. I have been able to deal with challenging situations and am aware that being in the acute environment can be a stressful and upsetting time for patients and their family's to go through. This is why as an individual I need, and am able to be empathetic and compassionate.

I have learnt to prioritise and manage my patients through placements. I have also become more organised with trying to juggle essays, placement and university time.

I understand that collaborative working is essential when working within a multidisciplinary team and I have had the opportunity in learning more about how this can work effectively for the benefit of the patient through a module ‘Collaborative Practice’ undertaken throughout my three years of training.

Whilst attending many placements I have seen the increased use of computer skills and I am competent when using technology. I have undertaken the European Computer Driving license required at the University and also completed a Level 1 Award in Functional Skills Information and Communication Technology whilst studying my Health and Social Care course.

I have a sound knowledge of the Code of Conduct.

Personal Qualities

I am a dedicated, hardworking and passionate individual who is willing to develop my professional development and skills in order to become a more knowledgeable nurse. I have excellent communication skills through attending varied placements. I believe that I am cheerful and enthusiastic and try to be friendly and approachable to all individuals.

In short, I know I still have a lot to learn but I believe I will be an excellent addition to your team and hope you will look favorably on my application.

The location is ideal for me and from reading about your trust has made me more keen to pursue this opportunity.