Fellowship (FFNMRCSI)

The Fellowship of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery RCSI (FFNMRCSI) is exclusively offered by the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and is one of the most prestigious professional qualifications awarded to nurses and midwives.

The Fellowship is open to any nurse or midwife, from any jurisdiction and from any scope of practice – clinical, research, education, leadership/management – and from any clinical specialty, from primary to tertiary care and across the lifespan.

Overview to the Fellowship by Examination.

Fellows of the Faculty can now enjoy the following annual benefits:

1. Invitation to an annual programme of Fellows, Members and friends events
2. Opportunities to interact and network with professional colleagues
3. Membership of professional groups is highly valued as a means of demonstrating professional interest and motivation; it makes explicit individual priorities and professional commitment and is considered a competitive advantage in terms of seeking new job opportunities.
4. Discounted rates for the Annual International Conference
5. One years membership of Sigma Omega Epsilon at large Irish branch
6. Eligibility to apply for our exclusive Fellows and Members PhD and Professional Doctorate Scholarship award
7. Opportunities to engage in faculty activities such as teaching and examining
8. Discounted rates on faculty CPD programmes and activities
9. Preferred access and discounted rates of College facilities for professional and social activities
10. Access to RCSI travel.

• Applicants complete an online portfolio of evidence via the Faculty’s ePortfolio.
• The portfolio enables the applicant to demonstrate how they have contributed and developed their capacity, competence and capability across the following domains:  autonomy, professional and clinical leadership, expertise and research.
• The ePortfolio is reviewed by two Internal Examiners.
• Applicants are invited to a viva voce (oral examination) where the ePortfolio of evidence is explored through a critical discussion between two examiners and the applicant, over a 40-minute interview (in person or virtually).
• An External Examiner reviews all aspects of the process ensuring that standards and quality assurance processes are maintained.

Grading

Pass or fail.

Repeat assessment

If you are unsuccessful in the viva voce, you will be notified of arrangements for re-application. A maximum of one re-application is permitted for the award of Fellowship.

Appeals

If you wish to appeal a result, please do so in writing to the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery. 

Applicants must possess a Master's degree in nursing, midwifery or related/applied field and be a registered nurse/ midwife with a minimum of five years’ experience.

If you don’t meet the eligibility for the Fellowship by Examination, you may be interested in our Membership Award (MFNMRCSI).

Applications for the 2024-2025 Fellowship of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery are now open.

Application process:

Applications can be made via the Faculty’s CPD portfolio.

Please review this short video about how to navigate the CPD portfolio system before commencing an application. 

Review this short video

Please note:

• You must submit the completed online application form including a brief up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• In the portfolio you should demonstrate your academic and professional activities that support the concepts of autonomy, professional and clinical leadership, expert practice, and research.
• You must describe in career experiences how you have achieved each of these four competency areas.
• You must include a signed declaration confirming that the information contained in your application is an accurate account and reflection of your professional development.

Applications will close on 16 April 2025 . Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. 

For more information, join one of our interactive webinar sessions from 12-1pm (Irish time) on  15 January, 12 February or 12 March 2025 using this link.

If you have any queries in relation to your application, email eimearfrew@rcsi.ie, pmahon@rcsi.com or denisejmckernan@rcsi.com .

• Examination fee: €250 – you will be able to make payment once you start the application process.

In recognition of nurses and midwives exceptional commitment, dedication and contribution to the delivery of care to patients, clients and service users during the pandemic, the Faculty is delighted to show our support by reducing the cost of Fellowship to €250 (normally €500). The Faculty appreciates your work, your professionalism and your expertise in these challenging and unprecedented times. Your work has never been more vital or more valued.