Biography
Therese Hennessy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick. Since qualifying as a registered psychiatric nurse she has worked in both clinical practice and nurse education. Her clinical area of specialty is substance misuse behaviour.She is a module leader for both undergraduate and postgraduate level programs. She has held the post of Course Director for the undergraduate BSc Nursing Studies (Mental Health) program at the University of Limerick. She has considerable direct involvement in curriculum planning, development, and review. She is Chair of the Addictive Behaviours Sub Group, Healthy UL and previously was Chair of the Department of Nursing and Midwifery Student Status Committee.
Therese's research interests relate to nurse education, mental health, substance misuse behaviour, eating disorders, and special needs. She advocates for people with special needs and promotes good healthcare provision for people with Down Syndrome. Her methodological areas of expertise are in mixed methodologies and qualitative research.
Research Interests
Drug and Alcohol misuse, dual diagnosis. Therapeutic interpersonal communication. Eating Disorders, Suicide, Self-harm and improving health outcomes for people with Special NeedsProfessional Activities
Committee
- 2006 Evalualtion Curriculum BSc Nusing and Midwifery Undergraduate programme,
- 2006 Diploma in Drug and Alcohol, The committee oversees the programme which aims for personal and professional growth and development of individuals working in community, voluntary, statutory and non-statutory organisations who are actively engaged in responding to drug and alcohol issues, across the spectrum from prevention and education to treatment and rehabilitation. The course content aims to build upon existing knowledge and skills among participants, with a focus on developing theoretical and evidence based knowledge together with a range of practical skills to enable them to respond effectively and appropriately to drugs and alcohol issues in their work setting. The programme has a commitment to principles and values underpinning lifelong and adult learning. Learning takes place in an environment that is conducive to intellectual growth and personal development. Reflective practice, critical discourse and active participation are encouraged. Course participants are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning.
Employment
- 2004 University of Limerick - Lecturer (Dept Nursing & Midwifery)
- 2001 HSE Western region - Nurse Tutor
- 1997 HSE Western region - RPN/Addiction counsellor
- 1997 Bethlem & Maudsley NHS Trust, London UK - Community Nurse in addiction services
- 1995 West London NHS Trust, London UK - Clinical and Community Nurse specialising in addic