• Code: HB
  • Duration: One Year
  • Certification:QQI Level 5 Award in Nursing Studies (5M4349)
    • First Aid and CPR (BIFE)
    • Manual Handling and Patient Moving Techniques (BIFE)

Description

This course introduces the learner to the role of the nurse and midwife and provides an understanding of the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in the nursing/midwifery profession. Supporting the learner to progress towards nursing or midwifery at degree level is a priority, evidenced by a high success rate for progression. Experienced nurses who deliver the course, link the academic with the practical elements to enable the learner to gain hands-on experience and a real insight into the caring profession. This award provides a link to Nursing / Midwifery Degree programmes in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom through the CAO and UCAS systems.

Programme of Study
  • Anatomy & Physiology 
  • Nursing Theory and Practice 
  • Human Growth & Development 
  • Care Skills 
  • Infection Prevention and Control 
  • Communications 
  • Work Experience 
  • Maternity Support
  • Mathematics (optional)
  • Certificates in
    • First Aid and CPR
    • Manual Handling & Patient Moving Techniques
     


     Components subject to change

Entry Requirements

One of the following:

  • Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Extenuating circumstances may be considered
  • Leaving Certificate Applied with a distinction profile
  • Full QQI Level 4 Award with a distinction profile
  • Mature Applicants – experience and education will be considered Learners must be

Garda vetted prior to work experience placement.

Learners are required to source their own work placement.

Career Opportunities
  • Recruitment in public and private sectors
  • Nursing homes
  • Hospitals
  • Agencies
  • Community care areas
  • General Nursing
  • Children & General Nursing (integrated)
  • Intellectual Disability Nursing
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Midwifery
Higher Education Progression*

Examples of potential courses include:

UCD University College Dublin:

  • Nursing (DN450)
  • Children’s and General Integrated (DN451)
  • Mental Health Nursing (DN453)
  • Midwifery (DN452)

TCD Trinity College Dublin:

  • General Nursing (TR091 & TR093)
  • Midwifery (TR913)

DCU Dublin City University:

  • General Nursing (DC 215)
  • Nursing (Intellectual Disability) (DC 217)

University of Ulster:

  • Nursing (Adult) Bsc Hons( B740)
  • Mental Health Nursing (B760)

SETU South East Technological University (Waterford Campus): 

  • General Nursing (SE915)
  • Psychiatric Nursing (SE914)

United Kingdom:

Nursing and Midwifery Degrees through UCAS application.

*Places are not guaranteed in these institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information also on www.cao.ie

Course Co-Ordinator

Emer Shortall

Where are they now?

 Meet Bife Students who have completed this course....


fia murphy"I completed the Pre-Nursing and Midwifery QQI level 5 in BIFE in 2018. I applied to two Universities in Scotland and got offered a place in both. I then received a third round offer to study Children’s and General Nursing Integrated in UCD. I went with what I felt was right and chose to stay at home to study. I am loving every moment of my time in UCD and I am very excited to start placement in January. The Pre- Nursing and Midwifery course benefitted me significantly and gave me a greater insight into Nursing and what to expect. The knowledge and experience I gained from my time in BIFE has come to be extremely useful during my labs and lectures and I am that little bit more ahead of students that have come straight from secondary school. I undoubtedly would not have achieved what I have if I didn’t work hard and was given the support and commitment from all the staff there. I enjoyed every minute of my year in BIFE and am indebted to thestaff for their efforts in supporting me and helping me achieve my distinctions. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for all their help throughout the year. I would highly recommend BIFE to anyone who is thinking of pursuing a career in nursing." - Fia Murphy  


Tina Photo ID "Completing my QQI Level 5-Nursing Studies at Bray Institute of Further   Education (BIFE) gave me a great opportunity to pursue my career in Nursing.   The learning experience is of a high standard and all students are encouraged to   reach their potential to learn through active teaching and participation. In   addition, the students will gain practical knowledge in developing their skills   through a person-centred and holistic approach to dealing with the care needs   of the individuals.

 I learned that I could achieve my expectations as I am now a 3rd-year student   studying a Bachelor of Mental Health Nursing at the University College   Dublin. I got a part-time job as a nursing assistant at St. Vincent's Private Hospital after finishing my QQI 5. I learned a lesson in life that there are no hindrances if you want to achieve your goals and ambitions. Dedication, determination and motivation are the keys to achieving what you want to be! So, I started and did it here in BIFE as my foundation ladder towards success.

I plan to finish my degree, work as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse for a few years and then study towards working as a community mental health nurse." - Agustina Rivera


"I completed the Pre-Nursing and Midwifery QQI level 5 in BIFE in 2018. I applied to two Universities in Scotland and got  offered  a  place  in  both.  I then received a third round offer to study Children’s and General Nursing Integrated in UCD. I went with what I felt was right and chose to stay at home to study. I am loving every moment of my time in UCD and I am very excited to start placement in January.

I would highly recommend BIFE to anyone who is thinking of pursuing a career in nursing." - Fia Murphy


Currently I am a 2nd year student nurse at the University of Stirling in Scotland. It was thanks to BIFE that I have been able to progress onto my BSc Nursing degree, in which I graduate in 2018. If it wasn’t for BIFE and the amazing teachers who supported my learning, guided me in the right direction, I wouldn’t have been able to enter university and progress into my nursing career. The nursing studies course really widened my knowledge about nursing, which benefitted me greatly in my first year of nursing. As I graduate next year I plan to work for 2 years in a general hospital before moving onto completing my masters and eventually specialising in a certain area. I would recommend that any young or mature person who is considering doing nursing, BIFE is the best place to start. All members of staff will fully support anyone that enters the course, educate, provide extra support services where needed and guide them throughout the beginning of their career. - Katie-Maree Ennis


I am Ruairi Dempsey, I went into the Nursing and Midwifery course in 2014 following my leaving cert, I can firmly say it was the best decision I've made in my academic life because the skills which I learnt prepared me for my university degree and helped me determine if the nursing profession was right for me. I am now studying Adult Nursing in Kings College London in the Florence and Nightingale School of Nursing. I work in Guys and St Thomas' hospital in the heart of London as a student and on their staff bank which is my student job in a way. During my time in the FETAC course I have made friends for life and gained a major edge over the other students coming straight from school as I was much more prepared. The faculty that taught the course were always supportive and helpful even after the course had finished. I'm now going forward into the final year of my course and I look forward to working as a qualified nurse in 2018. I did not regret doing this course for a split second and it has been purely beneficial to me. - Ruari Dempsey

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