Assistant Director of Nursing

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Assistant Director of Nursing to support the Director of Nursing in leading and managing nursing services within a progressive healthcare setting in Ireland. This senior nursing role requires a highly skilled, clinically competent, and motivated individual who will play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of care, patient safety, and operational efficiency. The Assistant Director of Nursing will work closely with the Director of Nursing, nursing staff, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality service delivery and ongoing professional development of nursing teams.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Clinical Management:

- Support the Director of Nursing in the overall leadership and management of nursing services, ensuring that patient care is provided at the highest standards.

- Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of nursing policies, procedures, and strategic objectives in line with organisational goals.

- Lead and mentor nursing staff, including Nurse Managers and Clinical Nurse Specialists, providing guidance, professional support, and leadership to maintain a high level of clinical excellence.

- Support the Director of Nursing in the management of nursing resources, ensuring the efficient and effective use of staff, equipment, and facilities.

- Act as a key clinical leader and role model, demonstrating the organisation’s values and fostering a culture of patient-centred care, safety, and clinical quality.

Clinical Governance and Quality Assurance:

- Support the Director of Nursing in ensuring clinical governance frameworks are implemented and maintained across nursing services.

- Contribute to the development and review of clinical guidelines and policies to ensure that evidence-based best practices are consistently applied.

- Lead and support initiatives aimed at improving patient safety, reducing incidents, and promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement (CQI).

- Collaborate with senior clinical staff to monitor patient outcomes, and patient satisfaction, and to identify areas for service improvement.

- Participate in the review of incidents, near-misses, and complaints, ensuring appropriate actions are taken to prevent reoccurrence and improve practice.

Operational Management and Resource Planning:

- Assist in the planning, coordination, and allocation of nursing resources, ensuring the department operates efficiently within budgetary constraints.

- Work closely with the Director of Nursing to ensure adequate staffing levels across all clinical areas, using workforce planning tools to address gaps in staffing or skill mix.

- Contribute to the development and management of the nursing budget, ensuring effective use of resources and cost control.

- Oversee the day-to-day operational management of nursing services, ensuring that patient care is delivered in an efficient and timely manner.

- Ensure the safe and effective management of patient flow, admission, discharge, and transfer processes.

Staff Development and Education:

- Support the development and delivery of an ongoing professional development programme for nursing staff, ensuring that they have access to relevant training, continuing professional development (CPD), and career advancement opportunities.

- Assist in the recruitment, retention, and mentoring of nursing staff to ensure a motivated, engaged, and skilled workforce.

- Promote a learning environment that encourages staff to engage in reflective practice, pursue postgraduate education, and participate in research activities.

- Ensure that nursing staff have the necessary skills and competencies to deliver safe, high-quality care, in line with national standards and legislation.

Collaboration and Communication:

- Act as a key liaison between nursing and other clinical and administrative teams to ensure smooth, coordinated care delivery.

- Attend and actively contribute to relevant multi-disciplinary team meetings, contributing nursing expertise to enhance patient care and service delivery.

- Maintain open lines of communication with the Director of Nursing, other senior management, and clinical leaders to ensure alignment on goals, priorities, and service improvements.

- Promote a culture of positive communication within the nursing team and wider healthcare organisation, fostering teamwork and a collaborative environment.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management:

- Ensure nursing services comply with national healthcare regulations, standards, and guidelines, including those set by HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) and other relevant authorities.

- Monitor and ensure that nursing documentation, record-keeping, and reporting adhere to legal and professional standards.

- Assist with audits and inspections, addressing areas for improvement and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.

- Contribute to the development and implementation of risk management strategies, ensuring that patient safety risks are identified and mitigated effectively.

Clinical Research and Innovation:

- Support the Director of Nursing in promoting a research-oriented culture within the nursing team, encouraging staff to engage in evidence-based practice and research initiatives.

- Lead or contribute to the implementation of innovative nursing practices aimed at improving patient care and operational efficiency.

- Promote a culture of innovation and improvement within the nursing team by supporting the introduction of new care models, technologies, and practices.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

- Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) and holding a current practising certificate.

- Postgraduate qualification in nursing, healthcare management, or a related field (essential); Master’s degree preferred.

- Evidence of ongoing professional development and leadership training.

Experience:

- A minimum of 5 years of experience in nursing, with at least 3 years in a senior clinical or leadership role.

- Experience in managing nursing teams, clinical operations, and working within a multidisciplinary team environment.

- Proven track record in delivering high-quality patient care, improving clinical outcomes, and leading nursing teams effectively.

- Solid understanding of clinical governance, patient safety, and healthcare regulations in Ireland.

Skills and Attributes:

- Strong leadership, management, and organisational skills.

- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage staff, patients, and stakeholders at all levels.

- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.

- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage change, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.

- High level of clinical expertise with a strong commitment to evidence-based practice.

- Competitive salary and benefits package.

- Opportunities for professional development, training, and career progression.

- Supportive and inclusive work environment with a focus on staff well-being.

- Access to wellness and health promotion programmes.

- and other employee benefits

If you are motivated and looking to grow your career in a well-established, supportive setting, we’d love to hear from you.
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