Director of Nursing

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer / Chief Nursing Officer

Department: Nursing Services

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Director of Nursing to lead and manage nursing services in a progressive healthcare environment in Ireland. The Director of Nursing will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of patient care, nursing practice, and operational efficiency across the organisation. This is a key leadership role, requiring a visionary individual with excellent managerial, clinical, and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate will work closely with senior management, clinical staff, and other healthcare professionals to enhance service delivery, patient outcomes, and staff development.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management:

- Lead, manage, and motivate the nursing team, ensuring a high standard of care delivery and professional conduct.

- Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement nursing policies, procedures, and strategic goals that align with the organisation’s overall mission and vision.

- Drive continuous improvement in clinical practice, ensuring nursing services meet national and international standards, including compliance with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) regulations and other relevant bodies.

- Foster a culture of safety, quality care, and patient-centred services through effective leadership and mentorship.

- Monitor and assess the performance of the nursing team, providing guidance, performance evaluations, and support for professional development.

Clinical Governance:

- Ensure that nursing practices and procedures comply with regulatory standards and promote patient safety.

- Oversee the development and implementation of clinical guidelines and best practice frameworks to enhance patient outcomes.

- Lead initiatives to improve patient care quality, reduce incidents, and optimise patient experience.

- Work closely with clinical teams to ensure the effective delivery of nursing care, integrating evidence-based practices and national care frameworks.

Operational Management:

- Develop and manage budgets, staffing levels, and resource allocation to ensure effective and efficient delivery of nursing services.

- Monitor patient flow, manage patient care requirements, and coordinate nursing activities across all units to optimise operational efficiency.

- Ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained, addressing staffing challenges in a proactive and strategic manner.

- Lead the recruitment, retention, and training of nursing staff to maintain a skilled, motivated, and resilient nursing workforce.

Staff Development and Education:

- Develop and implement a comprehensive staff development programme, ensuring continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities for all nursing staff.

- Promote a learning culture, encouraging the uptake of postgraduate qualifications, research, and evidence-based practice.

- Provide guidance and mentorship for nursing leadership roles, including Nurse Managers, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and other senior nursing staff.

- Ensure that nursing staff are well-informed on developments in healthcare, clinical practice, and organisational policies.

Collaboration and Communication:

- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with medical, administrative, and allied health teams to ensure integrated care and support patient-centred care.

- Represent nursing services in meetings with external stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, commissioners, and partner organisations.

- Champion nursing within the organisation, ensuring that the contribution of nursing is recognised and valued across the multidisciplinary team.

Quality Improvement and Research:

- Promote and support research initiatives within the nursing department to foster innovation in practice.

- Oversee quality assurance processes and use data-driven approaches to monitor and evaluate the quality of nursing care.

- Lead initiatives aimed at improving patient satisfaction, safety, and health outcomes.

Regulatory and Policy Compliance:

- Ensure compliance with relevant national and international healthcare standards, regulations, and statutory requirements.

- Develop, implement, and monitor nursing policies and protocols to ensure they meet legislative requirements and organisational standards.

- Work with regulatory bodies (e.g., Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) to ensure that the organisation is meeting all professional and legal obligations.

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 related field (Master’s preferred).

- Evidence of ongoing professional development and leadership training.

Experience:

- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in nursing leadership roles, including at least 2-3 years in a senior nursing management position.

- Demonstrable experience in managing clinical services, staffing, and budgeting.

- Proven track record in improving clinical outcomes, patient safety, and service efficiency.

- Strong understanding of healthcare policies, clinical governance, and regulatory frameworks in Ireland.

Skills and Attributes:

- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.

- Ability to influence and engage staff at all levels and foster a collaborative, patient-centred environment.

- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

- Knowledge of current healthcare trends, research, and evidence-based practices.

- High level of emotional intelligence and resilience, with a compassionate approach to leadership.

- Competitive salary and benefits package.

- Opportunities for professional development and training.

- Supportive work environment with a strong focus on work-life balance.

- Access to employee wellness programmes.

- Other great benefits

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