2019 School of Nursing & Midwifery Awardee: Dr Emer Shanley

Class of 2011, Postgraduate Diploma 2011; MSc 2012; PhD 2018Emer-Shanley

  • Country of residence: Ireland
  • Professional title: Clinical Nurse Specialist (Tissue Viability)

Dr Emer Shanley is a highly accomplished Clinical Nurse Specialist (Tissue Viability) working in community care in West Cork. Her studies in RCSI began in 2009 on a pathway programme, followed by Postgraduate Diploma in Tissue Viability and Wound Management in 2011, MSc (Research) in 2012 and culminated in the completion of PhD in November 2018. The focus of her research has been on older persons living independently in the community, a key component of the positive ageing strategy in Ireland.

Emer combined her clinical and academic skills to develop interventions in response to clinically recognised patient needs, such as the Shanley Pressure Ulcer Prevention Programme (SPUPP), which was developed to provide structured education for patients at risk of developing pressure ulceration and the Patient Knowledge of Pressure Ulcer Prevention tool (KPUP). This work provides a significant advancement for the practice of pressure ulcer prevention, where patient involvement is the central tenet of person-centred care.

Emer was presented with an Alumni Award because her academic endeavours exemplify the concept “to educate nurture and discover for the benefit of human health”.

A very worthy awardee, her two children and other family members were present to see her accept her Alumni Award.