RCSI launches new postgraduate programme to strengthen leadership in residential care for older people
Academics at the RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery and School of Nursing and Midwifery have developed a new professional education programme designed to strengthen leadership, governance and quality improvement in residential care settings.
A major review of the residential care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for systematic reform in the delivery of nursing home and older persons’ care to ensure safe, high-quality services for Ireland’s ageing population.
The programme, led by Professor Mary Rose Sweeney and Professor Tom O’Connor, was commissioned by Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet (LHP Skillnet). It comprises a suite of micro-credentials that together lead to a Level 9 Postgraduate Certificate in Residential Care Facility Management, specifically designed for nursing home managers and senior professionals working in residential care.
The development of the programme was informed by LHP Skillnet’s 2024 research into the learning needs of directors of nursing in long-term care, which identified a clear demand for a tailored educational pathway to support professionals working in residential care settings. In response, LHP Skillnet commissioned a team from RCSI’s Faculty and School of Nursing and Midwifery to design and accredit the programme, aligning it with updated qualification requirements for nursing home managers.
This initiative has resulted in the first fully accredited programme (by RCSI and the National University of Ireland) specifically tailored to the professional development needs of nursing home managers in Ireland.
The programme integrates leadership theory, governance frameworks and regulatory compliance to strengthen professional practice in residential care. Participants will develop expertise across key areas including leadership, governance, resource management, quality improvement, safeguarding and human-rights-based practice, clinical risk management, and infection prevention and control.
Through the development of analytical and research-informed skills, participants will be supported to critically appraise evidence, interpret regulatory frameworks and implement strategies that promote safe, high-quality and person-centred care for older people and vulnerable adults.
Delivered part-time throughout the year, the programme is offered by RCSI in collaboration with LHP Skillnet using an active blended learning approach. This includes self-directed study, interactive learning activities, case studies, reflective practice and live online sessions.
Participants may enrol in individual micro-credentials (5 ECTS each) or complete six modules, including the capstone module 'Leadership in Residential Care Facilities', to achieve the full postgraduate certificate.
The qualification is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, aligned with Level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the second cycle of the 'Bologna Framework'.
By emphasising reflective practice, critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making and strategic leadership in complex care environments, the programme aims to enhance care quality, improve patient experience and support staff well-being and workforce retention across residential care services.
The programme is being launched jointly by LHP Skillnet and the RCSI Faculty and School of Nursing and Midwifery.
