Ruth Ryan

Ruth Ryan is an Associate Professor at the University of Limerick's School of Nursing & Midwifery, specializing in intellectual disability nursing and social support research. Her work focuses on enhancing the health and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers.

Education

• BSc in Nursing Studies (University of Limerick, 2000)
• PG Dip. in Nurse Education (University of Limerick, 2002)
• MSc. in Advanced Nursing (University of Ulster, 2004)
• PhD in Philosophy (University of Limerick, 2019)

Research Interests

Ruth's research centers on supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to lead healthy, autonomous lives. Key areas include decision-making support, social networks, complex needs, and healthcare interventions. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education and health equity.

Teaching & Supervision

She supervises Master’s and PhD students, emphasizing critical thinking and resilience. Her teaching methods incorporate group work, debates, and evidence-based practices to foster collaborative and individual learning.

Professional Activities

• Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (1995–present)
• Academic Programme Review Committee (2013)
• Undergraduate Curriculum Development Teams (2014)
• NMBI Standards and Requirements Advisory Group (2022)