Dr. Siobhán Smyth

Work

What’s your job title? 

Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Univeristy of Galway.

How long have you been working here? 

20 years

Where did you work before this position? 

I worked as a nurse tutor in the old nurses home, in University Hospital Galway and prior to that I was a clinical nurse specialist in the mental health services.

What does your day-to-day look like? 

My job is interesting and varied and allows me to work in the world of teaching and research.

My role includes teaching on a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and modules. My particular area of interest lies within undergraduate in the form of the Bachelor of Nursing Science (Mental Health) for which I am the current programme director. My role involves also doing research which has an impact on clinical practice.

I am privileged to be involved with this group of students who are at the pinnacle of mental health nursing going forward and are highly motivated individuals.

My role involves having good communication skills, for example, Communication is the key to passing on information successfully I would say, but I do have a teaching qualification and registered with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and I am a registered nurse, both of which are vital for this job. In total, I have twenty years of nursing experience, and this, coupled with twenty years of teaching experience and an ability to keep up to date with current practice stands me in good stead for passing on information to students of all kinds. I make sure to keep in tune with nursing practice; I am a link lecturer to clinical areas and I am a certified clinical supervisor which involves me providing clinical supervision to clinical staff which has the effect of keeping me grounded and ensures I remain clinically focused and relevant.

My role also involves the ability to be supportive to the students who are often stressed. Pastoral care of the students is a responsibility I enjoy, although at times, a sense of humour and patience is definitely advantageous.

One of the best things about this role is the level of autonomy we are entrusted with. A good working relationship is vital with the other lecturers, the senior academic staff, the administration staff, the clinical staff and probably most importantly with the students themselves. I do have a timetable which is centrally controlled, but I am expected to run my own diary and organise my own workload and contact with others.

There are ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ in my role but teaching is such a rewarding job. There is no greater feeling than being with a group of students who are motivated and interested in what I am teaching them. With professional training such as nursing, most of the students are motivated because they have chosen their course of study. The undergraduate student groups are often quite a lot of fun.

Some of the students fail to gain a pass in their academic work at times and although coaching people through their studies is of particular interest to me, it is difficult when we have to fail students’ work. Lecturers actually get quite upset when students don’t do well, which is definitely a downside to the role.

This is probably the most challenging post I have had throughout the whole of my nursing career (and the busiest!). I hope one day that I will be senior lecturer but for now, I still feel like I have much to learn.

This role can be very satisfying but it definitely depends on what amount of effort goes into it. I am lucky enough to have a good rapport with my teaching and clinical colleagues alike and am able to influence care delivery either through the undergraduate teaching of good practice, or by facilitating change at the interface of mental health nursing practice. What more could I ask for?

When would someone come to you? 

When someone is stressed and overwhelmed – this is probably due to my mental health nursing background.

How do you prefer to start your work day? 

I love early mornings. I am an early bird, up by 6.00am, I do mindfulness and walk the dog and start work early.

How do you prefer to end your work day? 

Reading and some mindfulness.

What’s your favorite task at work? 

Having a cup of tea with colleagues in the staff room and teaching in the classroom.

What motivates you at work? 

I love interacting and engaging with students

What’s the most exciting part of your job? 

Teaching in the classroom

What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? 

I was Teaching award winner in 2011 and teaching hero award in 2021. I am also privileged to have been successful in undertaking the Aurora programme.

I am the public relations officer for an Aughrim Retirement Group  (volunatrary organisation) in Galway. I have been involved in writing and editing two books with this group.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position? 

We are off all summer!

What’s something you find challenging about your work (What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work)? 

Meeting deadline and sometimes the long hours. Also,  I find it challenging trying to find a balance between the teaching, research and the contribution to the community.

Who do you look up to within the company (Who’s someone you admire)? 

I admire a lot of people, it is hard to pin point one particular person. My mentor is some one that has been very influential to where I am in my career today. She is one of my role models - a great leader and listener.

What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now? 

 I am currently the principal investigator/ lead on an Erasmus Programme project titled ‘Virtual Reality Training for Healthcare Professionals’ I am collaborating on this project with an NUI colleague from nursing and from medicine. I am  really enjoying working with colleagues across Finland, Denmark and Germany developing scenarios for a virtual reality platform. We are developing a handbook for educators and I look forward to trying  this exciting teaching innovation in the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Personal/Social 

What was your first paying job? 

Nursing

Have you ever met anyone famous? 

I met and published with Professor Jean Watson who is a world-renowned inspirational American nurse leader/theorist. Jean Watson’s pioneering work on caring in nursing is integrated into nurse education and health care globally. Her work complements my teaching and research activities. I have also co-authored with Professor Watson in 2019 & 2021 on two publications.

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in County Donegal in a little Village called Pettigo on the Northern Ireland, Border. I love this county, it is so beautiful especially when there is no rain!  

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? 

‘Educated’ by Tara Westover – this book is one of the wisest accounts of family love and betrayal and the most obsorbing memoirs that I’ve read.

Are you a cat or dog person (or neither)? 

I have a dog called ‘Georgie’. He loves company who sits beside me when I am working from home. He loves watching the family eat as he knows he will get some leftover food.

Are you a coffee or tea person? 

Tea person – has to be earl grey!

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? 

I  loved Florida, I was able to be a child there again enjoying all the rides and we had such great fun as a family.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends? 

Spending time with family.

What three items would you take with you to a deserted island? 

Picture of my family and our dog, food and drinks.

What’s your favorite place to eat around Galway? 

I love O’Grady’s on the pier. The seafood platter is to die for….