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Director of Nursing - Job Opportunity at Headhunt International

Kildare, Ireland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: August 25, 2025
On-site
EUR 80,000-100,000 per year

Key Responsibilities

Establish and execute nursing policies, procedures, and best practices to uphold the delivery of high-quality patient care
Offer guidance and support to the nursing team, aiding them in achieving performance goals
Monitor resident care outcomes and quality metrics, identifying areas for enhancement in the process
Effectively manage staffing levels to secure ample coverage while minimizing operational costs
Supervise training initiatives for new nurses and facilitate continuous professional development for existing staff
Work collaboratively to develop and implement a strategic business plan and budget for the facility. This involves maximizing occupancy and ensuring prudent cost controls across all departments while upholding quality standards
Collaborate directly with the Finance Controller (FC) and the finance department to ensure the punctual submission of financial information
Foster collaboration with other departments to facilitate effective interdisciplinary care
Ensure strict compliance with all regulatory requirements pertinent to the nursing home setting

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 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

Qualification in Management Active NMBI Registration
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Irish healthcare sector is experiencing significant transformation with increased focus on quality metrics and regulatory compliance following HIQA reforms. Nursing homes are under heightened scrutiny for care standards, creating demand for experienced leadership with strong regulatory knowledge. The sector is also embracing technology integration for better patient monitoring and care documentation systems. Ireland's aging population is driving expansion in the nursing home sector, with projections showing a 40% increase in those over 85 by 2031. This demographic shift is creating sustained demand for skilled nursing leadership and driving investment in facility upgrades and staffing improvements. Post-pandemic recovery has emphasized infection control, staff wellness programs, and family engagement strategies. Directors of Nursing are now expected to lead comprehensive emergency preparedness initiatives and implement innovative care delivery models that balance safety with quality of life for residents.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of EUR 80,000-100,000 is competitive for the Irish market and reflects the senior nature of this role. This positions in the upper quartile for nursing home leadership roles in Ireland, indicating the facility's commitment to attracting experienced professionals. The range allows for negotiation based on specific experience with HIQA compliance and demonstrated success in similar roles.

Role Significance

Typically manages a nursing team of 15-25 staff members including registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and support personnel across multiple shifts. The role also involves coordination with interdisciplinary teams including medical staff, therapists, housekeeping, and administrative personnel, effectively influencing a workforce of 40-60 employees.
This is a senior executive-level position with full operational authority over nursing services and significant influence on facility-wide strategic decisions. The role combines clinical leadership with business management responsibilities, including budget oversight and regulatory compliance, positioning the incumbent as a key member of the senior leadership team.

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive quality improvement initiatives to enhance resident care outcomes and satisfaction scores Development and execution of staff training programs focused on specialized geriatric care and emergency response protocols Leading facility preparation for HIQA inspections and maintaining ongoing compliance with evolving regulatory requirements Strategic planning for facility expansion or renovation projects, including workflow optimization and technology integration

Success Factors

Demonstrated expertise in HIQA regulations and quality assurance frameworks, with the ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical operational procedures that enhance rather than hinder care delivery Strong financial acumen combined with clinical knowledge, enabling effective resource allocation decisions that balance cost control with quality care standards and staff satisfaction Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to manage diverse stakeholder relationships including residents, families, medical professionals, regulatory bodies, and facility ownership Change management capabilities to lead organizational transformation initiatives while maintaining staff morale and resident care quality during transition periods

Market Demand

High demand driven by regulatory requirements, demographic trends, and the specialized nature of nursing home leadership. The combination of clinical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and business acumen required for this role creates a limited candidate pool, giving qualified professionals significant leverage in the job market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

HIQA regulatory expertise is absolutely essential as non-compliance can result in facility closure and significant legal liability. This knowledge directly impacts the organization's ability to operate and maintain its license, making it the most valuable skill for this role Financial management and budgeting skills are critical because nursing costs typically represent 60-70% of facility operating expenses. The ability to optimize staffing while maintaining care quality directly impacts facility profitability and sustainability Leadership and change management capabilities are vital for managing diverse teams in a high-stress environment where staff turnover can significantly impact care quality and operational costs

Beneficial Skills

Master's degree in nursing or healthcare administration would provide additional credibility and advanced knowledge of healthcare systems and evidence-based practice methodologies Experience with healthcare technology systems including electronic health records and care planning software, as the industry continues to digitize operations Knowledge of geriatric specialty areas such as dementia care, palliative care, or rehabilitation services, which can differentiate facilities in the competitive market and improve resident outcomes

Unique Aspects

The role combines traditional nursing leadership with significant business responsibilities including strategic planning and budget development, offering unusual breadth of experience for nursing professionals interested in healthcare administration
Direct collaboration with Finance Controller indicates a matrix management structure that provides exposure to financial management and business operations beyond typical nursing leadership roles
Emphasis on both HIQA regulatory compliance and business performance metrics reflects the evolving nature of healthcare leadership, where clinical excellence must be balanced with operational efficiency
The specific mention of occupancy maximization and cost controls suggests this role offers entrepreneurial opportunities to drive facility performance and potentially influence compensation through performance-based incentives

Career Growth

Progression to regional or system-level roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing Directors of Nursing, while transition to facility administration or consulting roles may happen within 2-4 years depending on additional business education and demonstrated success in operational metrics.

Potential Next Roles

Regional Director of Nursing overseeing multiple facilities within a healthcare organization Chief Nursing Officer for larger healthcare systems or hospital networks Healthcare Facility Administrator or CEO roles, leveraging the business management experience gained in this position Consultant specializing in nursing home operations, regulatory compliance, or quality improvement initiatives

Company Overview

Headhunt International

Headhunt International operates as a specialized recruitment firm focusing on healthcare and professional services sectors in Ireland. The company has established relationships with leading healthcare facilities and maintains a reputation for placing qualified professionals in senior-level positions across the Irish healthcare landscape.

Positioned as a boutique recruitment firm with deep healthcare industry knowledge, Headhunt International leverages personal relationships and sector expertise rather than competing on volume with larger recruitment agencies. Their focus on confidential executive searches suggests they work with established healthcare organizations seeking experienced leadership.
The company's involvement in this Kildare-based search indicates strong connections within Ireland's healthcare sector, particularly in the greater Dublin region where many healthcare organizations seek specialized talent for their facilities throughout the country.
The recruitment through a specialized healthcare firm suggests the hiring organization values professional expertise and is willing to invest in securing the right candidate. This typically indicates a quality-focused work environment with adequate resources and support for senior leadership roles.
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