6 May 2026
On Tuesday 5 May 2026, the Healthcare Ireland (HCI) Group, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery (NIPEC), hosted the launch of the Career Pathway for Nurses in Nursing Homes at Craigavon Civic Centre.
Linda Kelly, Chief Executive of NIPEC, who attended the event, has stated:
“The Career Pathway for Nurses in Nursing Homes represents a significant step forward in recognising the expertise, professionalism and leadership of nurses working within the independent sector. By clearly articulating career progression and supporting continuous learning and development, the Pathway will aim to strengthen recruitment and retention, enhance professional confidence and ultimately improve outcomes for people living in nursing homes across Northern Ireland. NIPEC is proud to have collaborated on this important work and remains committed to supporting nurses at every stage of their career.”
The event brought together representatives from across the Independent Sector, Health and Social Care, education providers and regulatory organisations to mark an important milestone in supporting the development and recognition of nursing careers within nursing home settings.
In opening the event, Mary Frances McManus, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, welcomed delegates by emphasising the value of nursing home nurses in delivering “safe, effective and person-centred care” to those most vulnerable in society.
The Pathway itself was formally introduced by Dr Gary Mitchell, Queen’s University Belfast, and Brenda Rushe, Royal College of Nursing, both of whom outlined how the Framework supports career progression by outlining the key knowledge, skills and behaviours required for each job role, which alongside the Self-Assessment and Development Tool, identifies areas for further learning and development.
Audience members also had the opportunity to listen to personal accounts of career progression from Charles Parazo, Clinical Lead, and Oluchukwu Ekee, Deputy Nurse Manager, of Rosevale Nursing Home and the importance of early career support via the NI Preceptorship Framework and what this looks like in practice (presented by Fiona Bradley, Senior Professional Officer, NIPEC and Adam Milligan, Learning, Development and Compliance Manager, HCI). Delegates also had an opportunity to receive an update on the Regional Learning & Development Framework as well as an information session by Gill Finlay, Employer Link Service Adviser at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), who outlined the role of the NMC and its Employer Link Service in supporting employers and professionals within the independent sector.
Closing remarks where provided by Kieran McCormick (Interim NIPEC Chair), who emphasised that the career pathway “…is an essential component to promote development, strengthen workforce capacity and ensure high-quality care within nursing homes across Northern Ireland”
Click here, for more information on the Pathway and how it can help you!