Interview with Barbara Coyle and Sinead Gray Vhi Healthcare 

The Voluntary Health Insurance Board (An Bord Árachais Sláinte Shaorálaigh in Irish language) and trades under the brand name Vhi Healthcare in partnership with The Well, has set up Ireland’s 1st urgent care centres for all who have minor injuries and illnesses called Vhi SwiftCare Clinics.   

Vhi Healthcare hires nurses and midwives, among other professionals, to staff the Vhi SwiftCare clinics. Here is a brief interview Barbara Coyle, the Vhi Healthcare Corporate Communications Manager and and Sinead Gray of Vhi Healthcare Corporate Communications offered to NursingWorldwide.  

What qualifications/specialties do you look for when hiring for the nursing positions in Vhi SwiftCare Clinics?
  • RGN with at least two years post registration experience
  • Minimum two years A&E experience
  • Orthopaedic experience desirable
  • Paediatric experience desirable
How many nurses and midwives do Vhi SwiftCare Clinics you employ?

Currently 14 full-time and 22 part-time RGNs (there is no requirement for nurses to be midwifes in our clinics).

How do nurses and midwives know about employment vacancies available in the Vhi SwiftCare Clinics?
  • Media advertising
  • Internet Advertising
  • Word of mouth/referrals
  • Sister company transfers
  • Agencies
How best should a nurse prepare for interview?
  • Research the Vhi Swiftcare clinics and the concept
  • Be aware of the requirements/criteria for this role
  • Be confident in his/her experience and qualifications
From your own experience what are the main mistakes that applicants make when applying for jobs at the Vhi SwiftCare Clinics?
  • Undersell qualifications/experience on CV
  • No understanding of the requirements for the role
What are the main mistakes that nurses make after they are employed hindering their career goals achievements?

  • Lack of initiative/ambition
  • Non-team player
  • Do not grasp the vision of the company

How can a nurse/midwife overcome these challenges?

Prepare well for interview and for employment by understanding the concept of the clinics and also being aware of the private nature of these businesses Vs the public sector where they may have previously been employed.

What does Vhi SwiftCare Clinic offer your healthcare professionals?

  • Competitive Salary
  • Performance Related Bonus
  • Health Insurance
  • Pension Scheme 
  • Ongoing Educational Support
What career development prospects are available for nurses in the Vhi SwiftCare Clinics?
  • Assistance with continuing education both in-house and external (e.g. Cappagh Hospital Casting Course, A&E Courses etc)
  • Potential to progress to Nurse Manager roles 
  • Potential to participate in the Advanced Nurse Practitioner course (commencement date to be decided)
What advice would you offer healthcare professionals contemplating to join Vhi SwiftCare Clinics? 

  • Talk to others in similar role and perhaps visit our clinic informally prior to applying for a job.
  • Be aware of the career prospects available and the level of growth anticipated

  • Great opportunity to advance career in a supportive setting

Having interviewed lots of applicants, what are the major challenges you would say most applicants face?

Lack of engagement in private sector/business model

How best can they overcome these challenges and increase their prospects of employment? 

Understand the need for such services in Ireland and align their own goals/vision with that of the company 

How does Vhi SwiftCare support employees in the complex work-life balance issue?

Flexibility is provided to nurses in Vhi SwiftCare and we support those wishing to maintain a healthy work life balance.  This is crucial to the smooth running of our clinics as happy and healthy staff makes for a happy and healthy clinic!