Magherafelt Manor proudly announces that Jill O'Neill, respected Staff Nurse, has been awarded second place in the highly competitive Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2024. The ceremony, held on the 27th March 2024, at the Titanic Hotel Belfast, recognised Jill O'Neill as a finalist for the Higher-Level Apprentice award.
Jill's journey to this prestigious recognition has been marked by dedication, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to her career aspirations. Having served as a Senior Care Assistant at Magherafelt Manor since 2012, Jill harbored a lifelong ambition to become a Nurse. Through her unwavering determination and partnership with Open University and Kathryn Homes, she completed her Nursing Degree with First-class Honors in 2023. Jill's achievement in the pre-registration degree program (PRNP) paved the way for her registration and practice as a Nurse at Kathryn Homes' Magherafelt Manor.
Despite facing personal challenges that prevented her attendance at the awards ceremony, Jill's exceptional contributions did not go unnoticed. She was shortlisted from a pool of hundreds of candidates, a testament to her outstanding abilities and dedication to her profession. Jill was honoured with a trophy and a £250 voucher, accepted on her behalf by esteemed representatives including Siobhan Conway, Home Manager, and colleagues from Magherafelt Manor.
Siobhan Conway, Home Manager at Magherafelt Manor, expressed profound admiration for Jill's accomplishments, stating, "Jill is an exemplary role model whose journey from Care Assistant to Staff Nurse has inspired our entire staff community. Her years of experience in our care home have enriched her performance as a Nurse, and her dedication is palpable in every aspect of her work."
Siobhan further remarked on Jill's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting her ability to navigate the challenges of academic study, employment, and personal life while pursuing her Nursing degree. Jill's commitment to compassionate patient care and professional excellence continues to set a standard for her peers and future generations of healthcare professionals.
As Jill continues her journey as a registered Nurse at Magherafelt Manor, her impact resonates not only within the facility but also across the broader healthcare community. Her unwavering dedication to patient well-being and her remarkable journey serve as an inspiration to all who aspire to make a difference in the field of nursing.
