'A step in the right direction to bring neurology services to the people of Donegal'
Charlene graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Neurology Nursing, and her daughter graduated from Psychiatric Nursing at ATU Donegal
A Donegal woman has graduated with a first-of-its-kind diploma in neurology nursing.
Charlene Clarke (Crawford) earned a First Class Honours, graduating with the Level 9 qualification at the Convention Centre in Dublin.
Launched in 2025, the Postgraduate Diploma in Neurology Nursing offered by RCSI School of Nursing and Midwifery is the first of its kind in Ireland, representing an advancement in the evolution of Ireland’s neurology care.
Originally from Castlefin but now residing in Ballybofey, Charlene is the first person in the county to obtain the diploma, and one of only 18 in Ireland.
“It was a fantastic day, and I would do it all over again,” Charlene tells Donegal Live. “It's the first course of its kind in Ireland, and I'm the only person in Donegal who currently holds this qualification.
“Hopefully, it's a step in the right direction to bring Neurology services to the people of Donegal and surrounding areas.”
It was a double celebration as Charlene’s daughter, Alisha Crawford, also graduated with a degree in Psychiatric Nursing from ATU Donegal, having studied at the Letterkenny campus.
After graduating with a bachelor's degree in General Nursing in 2010, Charlene worked in Letterkenny University Hospital’s (LUH) Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit. In this role, staying up to date with neurological conditions was paramount, which sparked her interest in pursuing neurology nursing.
Charlene worked at LUH until 2023, ending as a Clinical Nurse Manager 2. In 2024, she began working at the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association, with responsibility for services across Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Longford.
Having qualified as a Neurology Nurse, Charlene hopes to bring neurology services to these counties, improving patients' access to care across the North West.