Since his appointment as a Lecturer at the School of Nursing & Midwifery, University College Cork (UCC) in 2003, Dr. Kelleher has been instrumental in shaping undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education. He serves as Programme Director for the Postgraduate Diploma in Intensive Care Nursing and the BSc. Nursing Studies (International) programmes. He has also significantly contributed to UCC’s global reach, having served as the School’s ERASMUS+ Coordinator for a decade, securing partnerships with Higher Education Institutions across Europe through 2024/25. Additionally, as Co-Chair of the School’s Global Engagement and Internationalisation Committee, he led efforts to foster strategic international collaborations and enhance UCC’s international profile.
Dr. Kelleher plays a key advisory role in the HSE’s South South West Hospital Group, where he provides expert guidance on the status and development of critical care education. He is also a member of the All-Ireland Critical Care Nursing Research Group, contributing to national conversations on the advancement of research in critical care nursing.
Dr. Kelleher has been a key figure in advancing critical care nursing education in Ireland. In 2017 and again in 2022, he and colleagues from University College Dublin secured competitive HSE tenders to design and implement the National Foundation Education Module in Critical Care Nursing. This initiative provides standardized education for intensive care nurses across Ireland and acts as a foundational step toward postgraduate specializations.
His research portfolio spans critical care nursing, nurse mobility, education, and cancer survivorship. In 2017, he completed a doctoral study investigating the Determinants of Intention to Study Abroad among Nursing and Midwifery Students, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing international educational opportunities. Dr. Kelleher is an active research supervisor, having guided numerous Taught Masters and PhD students, and is a valued member of several committees within the school, including the Athena Swan Committee, Student Experience Committee, and External Relations Committee.
Through his leadership, educational innovation, and dedication to research, Dr. Kelleher continues to make significant contributions to nursing education and practice on both a national and international scale
My research interests encompass contemporary issues in critical care nursing, healthcare education, international student mobility, and cancer survivorship.For my MSc, I conducted an observational study examining the open endotracheal suctioning practices of critical care nurses. This research and its subsequent publications were instrumental in prompting a national review of suctioning practices and have been widely cited in international peer-reviewed journals, reflecting their significant impact on clinical practice.
I also conducted a study on the knowledge and attitudes of emergency department (ED) doctors and nurses toward substance use and substance users. This research has garnered considerable international recognition and continues to inform clinical practices and policies.
In 2017, in collaboration with University College Cork (UCC), University College Dublin (UCD), and the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD), I contributed to the rollout of Ireland’s first National Foundation Module in Critical Care Nursing. As a co-principal investigator, I led a 2022 outcomes study evaluating the perceived benefits of the programme, providing key insights into its role in advancing critical care nursing education.
My interest in international student mobility formed the basis of my doctoral research, where I applied the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the determinants of nursing and midwifery students’ intentions to study abroad. This mixed-methods study has informed recommendations aimed at designing educational programmes that foster and support students’ interest in international mobility.In addition, my research extends to cancer survivorship, examining the long-term physical, emotional, and social impacts of cancer and its treatments, with the aim of enhancing survivorship care.
My research portfolio reflects a commitment to addressing pressing clinical, educational, and global challenges, contributing to advancements in practice and policy both nationally and internationally
NU6165 Health Assessment for Nursing Practice (Module Leader)
NU6073 Dissertation in Nursing
NU6171 Principles in Critical Care Nursing (Module Leader)
NU6152 Medical and Surgical Nursing Care of Individuals with Cardiorespiratory Problems
NU6130 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1 (Module Leader)
NU6131 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 2 (Module Leader)
NU6005 Evidence Based Nursing for Health Care Professionals
NU5098 National Foundation Module in Critical Care Nursing (Module Leader)
NU4073 Research for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Care
NU1044/49/51/56/62 Patient Manual Handling
NU30823068/3069 Intravenous management and Skills
NU4077 DARE
NU4038 Fundamentals in Critical Care Nursing (4th year elective module)
Reserach supervisor to BSc. Nursing Studies students (top-up), MSc. Nursing and PhD students
Biography
Dr. Seán Kelleher, a Registered General Nurse (RGN), graduated from The University School of Nursing in Bonn, Germany, in 1996. With extensive experience in intensive care nursing across both Germany and Ireland, he has cultivated a career defined by leadership in nursing education and international collaboration.Since his appointment as a Lecturer at the School of Nursing & Midwifery, University College Cork (UCC) in 2003, Dr. Kelleher has been instrumental in shaping undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education. He serves as Programme Director for the Postgraduate Diploma in Intensive Care Nursing and the BSc. Nursing Studies (International) programmes. He has also significantly contributed to UCC’s global reach, having served as the School’s ERASMUS+ Coordinator for a decade, securing partnerships with Higher Education Institutions across Europe through 2024/25. Additionally, as Co-Chair of the School’s Global Engagement and Internationalisation Committee, he led efforts to foster strategic international collaborations and enhance UCC’s international profile.
Dr. Kelleher plays a key advisory role in the HSE’s South South West Hospital Group, where he provides expert guidance on the status and development of critical care education. He is also a member of the All-Ireland Critical Care Nursing Research Group, contributing to national conversations on the advancement of research in critical care nursing.
Dr. Kelleher has been a key figure in advancing critical care nursing education in Ireland. In 2017 and again in 2022, he and colleagues from University College Dublin secured competitive HSE tenders to design and implement the National Foundation Education Module in Critical Care Nursing. This initiative provides standardized education for intensive care nurses across Ireland and acts as a foundational step toward postgraduate specializations.
His research portfolio spans critical care nursing, nurse mobility, education, and cancer survivorship. In 2017, he completed a doctoral study investigating the Determinants of Intention to Study Abroad among Nursing and Midwifery Students, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing international educational opportunities. Dr. Kelleher is an active research supervisor, having guided numerous Taught Masters and PhD students, and is a valued member of several committees within the school, including the Athena Swan Committee, Student Experience Committee, and External Relations Committee.
Through his leadership, educational innovation, and dedication to research, Dr. Kelleher continues to make significant contributions to nursing education and practice on both a national and international scale
Research Interests
My research interests encompass contemporary issues in critical care nursing, healthcare education, international student mobility, and cancer survivorship.For my MSc, I conducted an observational study examining the open endotracheal suctioning practices of critical care nurses. This research and its subsequent publications were instrumental in prompting a national review of suctioning practices and have been widely cited in international peer-reviewed journals, reflecting their significant impact on clinical practice.
I also conducted a study on the knowledge and attitudes of emergency department (ED) doctors and nurses toward substance use and substance users. This research has garnered considerable international recognition and continues to inform clinical practices and policies.
In 2017, in collaboration with University College Cork (UCC), University College Dublin (UCD), and the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD), I contributed to the rollout of Ireland’s first National Foundation Module in Critical Care Nursing. As a co-principal investigator, I led a 2022 outcomes study evaluating the perceived benefits of the programme, providing key insights into its role in advancing critical care nursing education.
My interest in international student mobility formed the basis of my doctoral research, where I applied the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the determinants of nursing and midwifery students’ intentions to study abroad. This mixed-methods study has informed recommendations aimed at designing educational programmes that foster and support students’ interest in international mobility.In addition, my research extends to cancer survivorship, examining the long-term physical, emotional, and social impacts of cancer and its treatments, with the aim of enhancing survivorship care.
My research portfolio reflects a commitment to addressing pressing clinical, educational, and global challenges, contributing to advancements in practice and policy both nationally and internationally
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care Professionals' Knowledge & Attitudes Regarding Substance Use & Substance Users | Miscellaneous Non Exchequer | 30-MAY-07 | 29-MAY-08 | €3,232.00 |
Publications
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2013) | 'Ian Carter' Kelleher, S. (2013) 'Ian Carter' In: Leadership in Action II. Influential Irish Men Nurses' Contribution to Society. Cork, Ireland: Oak Tree Press. [Details] | |
| (2012) | 'Evidence- Based Nursing' Brown, S.J. - Examplar descriptive Study by Kelleher and Andrews (2008) reviewed in Chp 5. An observational study on the open ended endotracheal suctioning practices of critical care nurses (2012) 'Evidence- Based Nursing' In: Evidence Based Nursing. Canada: Jones and Bartlett Learning. [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2016) | 'Factors that influence nursing andmidwifery students' intentions to study abroad: A qualitative study using the theory of planned behaviour' Kelleher, S., FitzGerald, S., Hegarty, J. (2016) 'Factors that influence nursing andmidwifery students' intentions to study abroad: A qualitative study using the theory of planned behaviour'. Nurse Education Today, 44 :157-164 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Factors that influence nursing and midwifery students' intentions to study abroad: A qualitative study using the theory of planned behaviour' Kelleher, S;FitzGerald, S;Hegarty, J (2016) 'Factors that influence nursing and midwifery students' intentions to study abroad: A qualitative study using the theory of planned behaviour'. Nurse Education Today, 44 :157-164 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'The perceived benefits of study abroad programmes for nursing students: An integrative review' Kelleher, S. (2013) 'The perceived benefits of study abroad programmes for nursing students: An integrative review'. The Journal of Nursing Education, 52 (12):690-695 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2012) | 'Strategies in the Promotion of Nursing as a Career among Second Level Students: An Irish Perspective' Kelleher, S & Dalton, C (2012) 'Strategies in the Promotion of Nursing as a Career among Second Level Students: An Irish Perspective'. The International Journal of Nursing Education, 4 (22) [Details] | |
| (2009) | 'A descriptive study on emergency department doctors and nurses knowledge and attitudes concerning substance use and substance users' Kelleher, S. and Cotter, P.; (2009) 'A descriptive study on emergency department doctors and nurses knowledge and attitudes concerning substance use and substance users'. International Emergency Nursing, [Details] | |
| (2008) | 'An observational study on the open-system endotracheal suctioning practices of critical care nurses' Kelleher, S;Andrews, T (2008) 'An observational study on the open-system endotracheal suctioning practices of critical care nurses'. Journal of clinical nursing, 17 :360-369 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2007) | 'Health care professionals' knowledge and attitudes regarding substance use and substance users' Kelleher S; (2007) 'Health care professionals' knowledge and attitudes regarding substance use and substance users'. Accident and Emergency Nursing, 15 (3):161-165 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2006) | 'Providing patient centred care in an intensive care unit' Kelleher, S.; (2006) 'Providing patient centred care in an intensive care unit'. Nursing Standard, 13 (*):35-40 [Details] |
Other Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2023) | 'An Outcome Evaluation Study of a National Critical Care Foundation Module for Critical Care Nurses in Ireland' Kelleher, S. and Wedgeworth, K. (2023) 'An Outcome Evaluation Study of a National Critical Care Foundation Module for Critical Care Nurses in Ireland' Ssrn, . [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Going Dutch. Is adapting the Dutch healthcare system to Ireland the answer to our problems, ask four doctor of nursing students from UCC' Kelleher, S., Alomari, D., Azizea, S. and O’ Sullivan, S. (2014) 'Going Dutch. Is adapting the Dutch healthcare system to Ireland the answer to our problems, ask four doctor of nursing students from UCC' World of Irish Nursing, 22 (3) :28-29. [Details] | |
| (2012) | 'Strategies in the promotion of nursing as career among second level students: An Irish perspective' Kelleher, S. and Dalton O' Connor, C. (2012) 'Strategies in the promotion of nursing as career among second level students: An Irish perspective' International Journal of Nursing Education, 4 (2) :124-128. [Details] | |
| (2007) | 'Endotracheal suctioning practices within critical care: A literature review' Kelleher, S.; (2007) 'Endotracheal suctioning practices within critical care: A literature review' Anaesthetic & Recovery Nursing 4 (2) 5-9, . [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2010) | 11th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference. School of |Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin. Transforming Healthcare through Research and Education Kelleher, S. and Cotter P. ; (2010) Health Care Professionals Knowledge and Attitudes regarding Substance Use and Substance Users 11th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference. School of |Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin. Transforming Healthcare through Research and Education [Details] | |
| (2009) | 2nd International Nursing and Midwifery Conference NUI, Galway Kelleher S. and Cotter P. ; (2009) A descriptive Study on Emergency Department Doctors and Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Substance Use and Substance Users 2nd International Nursing and Midwifery Conference NUI, Galway [Details] |
Magazine article
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2012) | BSc Nursing with German: Enhancing Job mobility in Europe. Kelleher, S. Sweeney, J. hegarty, J. (2012) BSc Nursing with German: Enhancing Job mobility in Europe. Dublin: Magazine article [Details] |
Thesis/Dissertation
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2005) | An Observational Study on the Open-Endotracheal Suctioning Practices of Critical Care Nurses. Kelleher, S.; (2005) An Observational Study on the Open-Endotracheal Suctioning Practices of Critical Care Nurses. Thesis/Dissertation [Details] |
Professional Activities
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Martha McMenamin memorial scholarship | Martha McMenamin memorial scholarship |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland | Registered member | / | |
| Irish Federation of University Teachers | Member | / | |
| Irish Nurses Organisation | Member | / |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2017) | A conference celebrating 30 Years of Erasmus in Ireland: Study Abroad in research and practice. Hosted by the school of languages, literature and cultures, UCC, Kelleher. S. (2017) Determinants of Intention to Study Abroad among Nursing and Midwifery Students: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. [Oral Presentation], A conference celebrating 30 Years of Erasmus in Ireland: Study Abroad in research and practice. Hosted by the school of languages, literature and cultures, UCC, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC , 16-JUN-17. [Details] | |
| (2017) | REsearch Showcase. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC, Kelleher, S. (2017) Determinants of INtention to Study Abroad among Nursing and Midwifery Students: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], REsearch Showcase. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC, UCC , 06-JUN-17. [Details] | |
| (2017) | International Staff Training Week, University of Nottingham, UK, Kelleher, S. (2017) Why Study Abroad? Factors influencing Nursing and Midwiufery Students Intentions to Study abroad. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], International Staff Training Week, University of Nottingham, UK, Nottingham, UK , 25-APR-17. [Details] | |
| (2013) | Annual Nurse Manager conference at University Hospital Bonn, Germany, Kelleher, S. (2013) The Current status of Nursing and Nurse education in the EU. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Annual Nurse Manager conference at University Hospital Bonn, Germany, Bonn, Germany , 17-DEC-13 - 17-DEC-13. [Details] | |
| (2012) | STTI European Conference, S. Kelleher (2012) BSc Nursing with German: Enhancing job mobility in Europe. [Oral Presentation], STTI European Conference, Cardiff, Wales , 14-JUL-12 - 14-JUL-12. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 11th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, Sean Kelleher; (2011) Conference delegate. [N/A], 11th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC , 04-NOV-11 - 04-OCT-11. [Details] | |
| (2010) | 11th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference. Transforming Healthcare through Research and Education, Sean Kelleher; (2010) A descriptive study on emergency department doctors and nurses¿ knowledge and attitudes regarding substance use and substance users. [Oral Presentation], 11th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference. Transforming Healthcare through Research and Education, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin , 04-NOV-10 - 05-NOV-10. [Details] | |
| (2009) | 2nd International Nursing & Midwifery Conference, Sean Kelleher; (2009) A descriptive study on emergency department doctors and nurses¿ knowledge and attitudes regarding substance use and substance users. [Oral Presentation], 2nd International Nursing & Midwifery Conference, NUI Galway , 07-APR-09 - 07-APR-09. [Details] | |
| (2008) | 3rd European Federation of Critical Care Nurses associations Congress, Sean Kelleher; (2008) A descriptive study on emergency department doctors and nurses¿ knowledge and attitudes regarding substance use and substance users. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], 3rd European Federation of Critical Care Nurses associations Congress, Florence, Italy , 09-OCT-08 - 11-OCT-08. [Details] | |
| (2006) | 25th Annual International Nursing and Midwifery Conference, Kelleher, Sean; (2006) An observational study on the open endo-trachael suctioning practices of critical care nurses. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], 25th Annual International Nursing and Midwifery Conference, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, R.C.S.I. Dublin , 22-FEB-06 - 24-FEB-06. [Details] | |
| (2005) | The Fifth Annual Conference of The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing & Midwifery, Kelleher, S.; (2005) An observational study on the open endo-tracheal suctioning practices of critical care nurses. [Poster Presentation], The Fifth Annual Conference of The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing & Midwifery, Dublin , 01-NOV-05 - 01-NOV-05. [Details] | |
| (2005) | The British Associaton of Critical Care Nurses (International Conference), Kelleher, S.; (2005) An observational study on the open endo-tracheal suctioning practices of critical care nurses. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], The British Associaton of Critical Care Nurses (International Conference), Weston Super-Mare, U.K , 01-SEP-05 - 02-SEP-05. [Details] | |
| (2004) | The Catherine McAuley School of Nursing & Midwifery 3rd Annual Conference, Kelleher, S.; (2004) The Impact of Noise on The Sleep Quality of Adult Patients in the Critical Care setting: A Literature Review. [Poster Presentation], The Catherine McAuley School of Nursing & Midwifery 3rd Annual Conference, University College Cork , 01-OCT-04 - 01-OCT-04. [Details] | |
| (2004) | The Fourth Annual Conference of The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing & Midwifery, Kelleher, S.; (2004) The Impact of Noise on The Sleep Quality of Adult Patients in the Critical Care setting: A Literature Review. [Poster Presentation], The Fourth Annual Conference of The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing & Midwifery, Dublin , 01-NOV-04 - 01-NOV-04. [Details] |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South America Regional Working Group, UCC | School representative | / | |
| North America Regional Working Group, UCC | School representative | / | |
| South South West Hospital Group | UCC representative | / | |
| School Web committee | Member | / | |
| Student affairs committee | Member | / | |
| Postgraduate studies and continuing education committee | Member | / | |
| External Relations Committee School of Nursing & Midwifery | Member | / |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Surgical ICU, Bonn University Clinic, Germany | Staff nurse | 01-SEP-96 / 01-DEC-99 | |
| University College Cork | Lecturer | 01-SEP-03 / | |
| Limerick Regional Hospital | Staff Nurse, General ICU | 01-AUG-99 / | |
| Cork University Hospital | Senior staff nurse, General ICU | 01-JUN-00 / 01-AUG-03 | |
| Cork University Hospital | Clinical Nurse Manager for Intravenous Therapy | 01-MAR-03 / 31-AUG-03 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | University College Cork | Doctor of Nursing | Nursing/International Education | |
| 2010 | University College Cork | Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Ed. | Teaching and Learning | |
| 2011 | UCC | Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | Teaching and Learning | |
| 2005 | University College Cork. | MSc Nursing | ||
| 2002 | University College Cork | Bachelor of Science | ||
| 2001 | University College Cork | Graduate Diploma | Critical Care Nursing | |
| 1996 | University of Bonn | Diploma in Nursing | General Nursing |
Languages
| Language | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Fluent | Fluent | Fluent | |
| German | Fluent | Fluent | Fluent |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Journal Of Drug Policy | Referee | 01-JAN-10 - | |
| Journal Of Clinical Nursing | Referee | - |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
NU6031 Intensive Care Nursing (Module Leader)NU6165 Health Assessment for Nursing Practice (Module Leader)
NU6073 Dissertation in Nursing
NU6171 Principles in Critical Care Nursing (Module Leader)
NU6152 Medical and Surgical Nursing Care of Individuals with Cardiorespiratory Problems
NU6130 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 1 (Module Leader)
NU6131 Clinical Practice in Specialist Nursing 2 (Module Leader)
NU6005 Evidence Based Nursing for Health Care Professionals
NU5098 National Foundation Module in Critical Care Nursing (Module Leader)
NU4073 Research for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Care
NU1044/49/51/56/62 Patient Manual Handling
NU30823068/3069 Intravenous management and Skills
NU4077 DARE
NU4038 Fundamentals in Critical Care Nursing (4th year elective module)
Reserach supervisor to BSc. Nursing Studies students (top-up), MSc. Nursing and PhD students