Short bio

I have been a nursing manager at Järvamaa Hospital for 25 years. I'm dedicated to health education with my colleagues at Tallinn Health Care College and Vocational Education Center students.
I have contributed to training Järvamaa Hospital's care workers and professionals from various fields through additional training programs. I am a nominee for the "Trainer of the Year 2023" in Järva county.

My story

My goal has always been to improve the quality of life for those needing hospital care with the support of competent personnel and to enhance staff satisfaction. According to Gärt Oselin, the training manager for the continuing education programs of the Järvamaa Vocational Education Centre, I have dedicated my entire life to the adult education of Järvamaa residents as well as the profession of medicine in Järvamaa. Gärt says about me that I am a passionate enthusiast and expert in my profession, capable of communicating knowledge to learners clearly and intelligibly.

"Maire's passion is to offer up-to-date and high-quality healthcare knowledge," Gärt says. I have grown into my role as a trainer through life choices, education, professional work, and serendipity. I have worked in the healthcare system for decades, with the last 25 years serving as the nursing manager at Järvamaa Hospital.

Studies and self-improvement have accompanied me throughout my professional life. Mental health nursing was my most recent area of focus. Sharing evidence-based knowledge about both healthy and unwell people, caregiving, and preserving excellent mental health is one of my favorite topics as an adult education trainer. The elderly and so-called second-chance learners are the groups my inner trainer likes most. I believe there is a critical need to develop adults in knowledge and self-management.

How can adult learners be supported in achieving their goals?

For adult learners, it's crucial to establish a proper and inspiring learning atmosphere and use powerful teaching techniques. These techniques should encourage the learner's inner drive to grow and learn, emphasizing gaining personal rewards. The benefit for adult learners is mostly shown in their increased capacity for life adjustment.

How does teaching contribute to my personal development?

My objective as a trainer is to give students the tools and strategies they need to realize their aspirations for both their personal and professional lives. One needs to be aware, resourceful, flexible, and able to understand the broad picture to accomplish this. I am constantly a learner when it comes to organizing, preparing, and leading training sessions. Since my area of instruction revolves around individuals, their physiological nature, physical and mental coping, or non-coping, I have developed evidence-based, practical, and theoretical knowledge and skills, as well as attitudes, that I can use to navigate life's challenges.

What are the moments in my role as a trainer where  I realize, "I have such a wonderful job!"?

Teaching is like a breath of fresh air, where learner feedback is immediate, honest, and instantaneous. Perhaps the best way to describe being a trainer is to think of it as being the manager, director, actor, stage and sound technician, costume designer, makeup artist, and scriptwriter all in one. After the final presentation slide, it becomes obvious how the audience responds to you and whether the tale connects. You can expect a full house next time if the training ends with applause. If not, you must be able to analyze and improve. I feel a great benefit from my diploma in cultural management from Viljandi Culture Academy, and the skills I acquired there helped me in my profession as a trainer.

Three trends that will define adult education in the future?

• Adult education is essential to the nationally planned and financed education system.
• Adult education is regionally accessible to all residents of Estonia, considering various age groups and target audiences, promoting lifelong learning.
• Participation in adult education is a conscious, active lifestyle choice for people living in Estonia, creating the conditions for a mentally and physically healthy and happy life.

3 relevant skills for the future?