Director of Nursing - Job Opportunity at Headhunt International

Kildare, Ireland
Full-time
Executive
Posted: July 12, 2025
On-site
EUR 80,000-100,000 per year

Benefits

Competitive top-tier salary positioning in the upper quartile of nursing home leadership compensation
Leadership role in well-established facility providing career stability and professional reputation enhancement
Opportunity to work with experienced interdisciplinary teams in a mature healthcare environment
Professional development support through training oversight responsibilities that enhance personal skill portfolio

Key Responsibilities

Establish and execute comprehensive nursing policies and procedures that directly impact resident care quality and facility reputation
Provide strategic leadership and performance management to nursing teams, driving operational excellence and staff development
Monitor and analyze resident care outcomes and quality metrics to identify improvement opportunities and maintain competitive advantage
Optimize staffing management to balance operational efficiency with cost control while maintaining high service standards
Lead comprehensive training and professional development initiatives that enhance staff retention and facility capabilities
Collaborate in strategic business planning and budget development to maximize facility occupancy and ensure sustainable operations
Partner with Finance Controller to ensure timely financial reporting and maintain regulatory compliance standards
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across departments to deliver integrated care solutions and improve resident outcomes
Ensure full regulatory compliance with HIQA standards and nursing home regulations to maintain operational license and reputation

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nursing (Master's degree preferred)

Experience

Minimum 3 years of experience within last 5 years, in a leadership role in a Nursing home setting

Required Skills

Strong leadership skills Excellent communication Deep understanding of nursing practices and HIQA regulations Strong understanding of nursing practices, HIQA regulations, and industry trends Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written Experience managing budgets and resources Excellent Leadership qualities

Certifications

Active NMBI Registration Qualification in Management
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Irish healthcare sector is experiencing significant transformation with increased focus on quality outcomes and resident-centered care models, driven by HIQA's enhanced regulatory framework and public scrutiny of nursing home standards. This shift is creating demand for experienced leaders who can navigate complex compliance requirements while maintaining high care standards. Demographic changes in Ireland are creating unprecedented demand for skilled nursing care, with an aging population requiring more specialized services and higher staff-to-resident ratios. This trend is driving competition for experienced nursing leadership and creating opportunities for career advancement in the sector. Post-pandemic healthcare delivery has emphasized the critical importance of infection control, staff wellness, and operational resilience in nursing homes. Directors of Nursing are now expected to have expertise in crisis management, staff retention strategies, and adaptive care delivery models that can respond to public health challenges.

Salary Evaluation

The EUR 80,000-100,000 salary range represents a competitive executive-level compensation package that aligns with current market rates for nursing home leadership positions in Ireland. This range reflects the significant responsibilities, regulatory requirements, and leadership scope of the role, positioning it in the upper quartile of nursing leadership compensation in the Irish market.

Role Significance

Typical nursing home facilities employ 15-40 nursing staff across multiple shifts, with additional support staff under indirect supervision. The Director of Nursing typically manages nursing supervisors, staff nurses, and healthcare assistants, while collaborating with administrative, dietary, and maintenance departments in an interdisciplinary care environment.
This is a senior executive position with direct responsibility for nursing operations, staff management, and regulatory compliance in a healthcare facility. The role carries significant accountability for resident care outcomes, staff performance, and facility reputation, positioning the incumbent as a key decision-maker in the organization's leadership structure.

Key Projects

Implementation of new care protocols and quality improvement initiatives to enhance resident outcomes and maintain regulatory compliance Development and execution of staff training programs to improve clinical competencies and reduce turnover Leadership of facility accreditation processes and regulatory inspections to maintain operational licenses Strategic planning for facility expansion, service line development, or operational improvements Budget management and resource allocation projects to optimize cost efficiency while maintaining care quality

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to maintain high standards of resident care while managing complex regulatory requirements and operational challenges in a nursing home environment Strong financial acumen and budget management skills to balance cost control with quality care delivery, ensuring facility sustainability and profitability Exceptional leadership and communication abilities to inspire and manage diverse nursing teams while collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals Deep knowledge of Irish healthcare regulations, particularly HIQA standards, and ability to adapt to evolving compliance requirements in the nursing home sector Strategic thinking capabilities to contribute to facility growth and development while maintaining operational excellence and resident satisfaction

Market Demand

High demand exists for qualified Directors of Nursing in Ireland's nursing home sector, driven by regulatory requirements, demographic trends, and the need for experienced leadership to navigate complex healthcare delivery challenges. The combination of NMBI registration, management qualifications, and specific nursing home experience creates a specialized talent pool with strong market leverage.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

HIQA regulatory knowledge is absolutely essential as Irish nursing homes face increasing scrutiny and complex compliance requirements. Directors must understand current standards and anticipate regulatory changes to maintain facility operations and avoid penalties Leadership and staff management skills are critical given the challenges of managing healthcare teams across multiple shifts while maintaining consistent care standards and managing staff turnover in a competitive employment market Financial management and budget oversight capabilities are essential as nursing homes operate on tight margins and require leaders who can balance quality care with operational efficiency and cost control

Beneficial Skills

Strategic planning and business development skills would enhance the candidate's ability to contribute to facility growth and competitive positioning in the evolving healthcare market Quality improvement and data analysis capabilities would support the role's focus on monitoring care outcomes and implementing evidence-based improvements to resident care Crisis management and emergency preparedness skills have become increasingly valuable in healthcare leadership roles, particularly given recent public health challenges and their impact on nursing home operations

Unique Aspects

The position combines clinical nursing expertise with significant business management responsibilities, including budget development and occupancy optimization, making it an ideal role for nursing professionals seeking to expand their business acumen
Direct collaboration with Finance Controller indicates this role operates at the senior leadership level with access to strategic financial information and input into facility business decisions
The emphasis on both HIQA compliance and business performance creates a unique opportunity to influence both care quality and organizational success in the competitive nursing home market
The combination of staff development responsibilities and strategic planning involvement positions this role as a stepping stone to senior healthcare executive positions

Career Growth

Career progression to senior executive roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing Directors of Nursing, with advancement opportunities dependent on facility performance, additional education, and demonstrated leadership success in improving operational outcomes.

Potential Next Roles

Regional Director of Nursing overseeing multiple facilities within a healthcare organization Chief Nursing Officer or VP of Clinical Services in larger healthcare systems Healthcare Facility Administrator or CEO roles in nursing home or assisted living organizations Healthcare Consultant specializing in nursing home operations and regulatory compliance Director of Quality Assurance or Clinical Excellence in healthcare organizations

Company Overview

Headhunt International

Headhunt International operates as a specialized recruitment firm focusing on healthcare and executive placements, with particular expertise in nursing home and long-term care facility staffing. The company maintains relationships with established healthcare providers across Ireland and serves as an intermediary for senior-level healthcare positions.

As a specialized healthcare recruitment firm, Headhunt International holds a focused position in the Irish healthcare staffing market, with emphasis on executive and professional-level placements in nursing and healthcare management roles.
The company's involvement in this Kildare-based position suggests strong regional connections in the Greater Dublin Area and surrounding counties, with established relationships among nursing home operators and healthcare facilities in these markets.
Working through Headhunt International indicates the hiring facility values professional recruitment processes and is likely a well-established organization with structured HR practices and commitment to finding qualified leadership talent.
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