Nichola McNamara registered as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) in Breast Care in UHL in January 2022 and is the first Breast RANP in Munster.   She has previously worked as a Breast Care CNS and has a background in Oncology nursing.  Nichola has a Masters in Advanced Nursing Practice and Medicine Prescribing (NUIG).  She also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Adult Cancer Care and a Professional Diploma in Breast Care (UCD), with Certificates in Referring to Radiology (Trinity) and Minor Surgical Procedures (DCU).  In 2022, Nichola published her Master’s thesis ‘Experiences of Women with a BRCA genetic mutation who have not developed cancer: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis’ in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.  

Nichola works as part of the breast team reviewing patients with benign and malignant breast disease in the outpatient setting.  She has a special interest in breast cancer survivorship and promotes health and wellness in patients who have completed cancer treatment. Nichola also has an interest in hereditary breast cancer and genetics and is a member of the National Family History Steering Group.  She runs a nurse led clinic for unaffected women at risk of hereditary breast cancer and has streamlined the service in UHL to improve the quality of care for these women.  The RANP is a constant resource in the breast clinic and can take a clinical history, perform breast examination, organise imaging and implement a follow up care plan for patients.  This has a positive impact on the breast service by improving the patient experience, reducing waiting list time while also promoting the evolving role of the nurse.