Job Description
Charter Medical Private Hospital (CMPH) is a 77-bed surgical hospital located on the outskirts of Mullingar with four operating theatres and an endoscopy unit. We provide a wide range of surgical care across multiple specialties and offer 24/7 Stepdown, Minor Injuries, and Rapid Access services in collaboration with the HSE.
We are currently recruiting for a Director of Nursing (DON) to join our team.
Role Summary
As part of the Hospital Executive Team the Director of Nursing will provide strong strategic, professional and clinical leadership for all nursing practice throughout the hospital. The post holder will be accountable for the clinical and operational competence for all staff under their remit and will be accountable for quality and safety matters within the service area.
The post-holder will play a key role in the leading the development and implementation of Quality, Risk and Safety Management initiatives ensuring integration of these functions into hospital strategy and operations. The focus of the role is to enhance the patient experience and quality of care throughout the hospital while demonstrating dignity, compassion and respect.
Key Responsibilities
1. Corporate & Clinical Leadership
* Provide strategic nursing leadership, advising the CEO and Executive Team on nursing practice, governance, statutory requirements and patient safety.
* Ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, HIQA, NMBI and national standards, maintaining robust nursing policies, protocols and records.
* Lead the development of evidence-based nursing policies, service planning, and workforce strategies aligned with hospital objectives.
* Represent nursing on hospital committees, multidisciplinary forums, and external stakeholder networks.
* Manage nursing budgets, resources and workforce planning, ensuring efficient use of funds and effective succession planning.
* Provide a high level of clinical leadership throughout the hospital and its services.
* Engage and contribute to policy development and service planning.
* Drive continuous improvement services to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve patient experience across departments.
* Maintain professional competence and promote innovation in nursing practice and service delivery.
2. People & Workforce Management
* Provide professional and operational leadership to A/DONs, CNMs, nursing teams and support staff, ensuring high standards of care and accountability.
* Foster a positive work environment that supports staff retention, morale, communication and teamwork.
* Oversee recruitment, induction, and performance management of nursing staff, including development plans and appraisals.
* Ensure ongoing professional education and training in collaboration with the Learning & Development team.
* Establish regular mechanisms for communication and staff engagement across nursing teams.
3. Education & Professional Development
* Ensure compliance with NMBI professional standards and support expanded nursing practice where appropriate.
* Oversee delivery of structured training, education and competency assessment for all nursing staff.
* Work within the code of Professional Conduct for Nurses, participation in the development of the Scope of Practice and provide strong professional leadership and direction for nursing services.
* Ensure compliance with all HR system and policy requirements including recording of relevant data
* Facilitate study leave, continuous professional development and succession planning within budgetary limits.
4. Quality, Safety & Governance
* Serve as the Executive Lead for Quality, Risk and Safety, ensuring integration of these functions into hospital strategy and operations.
* Develop, implement and monitor the hospital's Quality & Patient Safety strategy in line with HIQA standards and best practice.
* Lead nursing contribution to hospital governance, quality, patient safety, and risk management systems.
* Ensure robust systems for incident reporting, audit, and performance monitoring (KPIs, nursing metrics, quality indicators).
* Promote a culture of safety, learning and accountability, ensuring action plans are developed and implemented following audits or incidents.
* Be accountable for risk assessment, hygiene, infection control, and health & safety within nursing services.
* Engage with patients and staff feedback to continuously improve quality of care and patient experience.
* Develop a culture of safety, promoting positive reporting of incidents and near misses; investigate and take remedial action on incidents or near misses involving patients and staff according to hospital policies, protocols and guidelines.
Essential Criteria - Knowledge/ Experience
Each candidate must, at the latest date for receipt of completed applications for the post:
* Be registered as a General Nurse on the Register of Nurses kept by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) or be entitled to be so registered
* Have completed a post graduate qualification at not less than level 8 (QQI) in health care management, nursing or a related field relevant to the duties of the role QI) in health care management, nursing or a related field relevant to the duties of the role
* Have a minimum of 10 years' post registration nursing experience and 5 years nursing management experience of which 3 years were at a senior nursing management level in an acute setting
* Proven track record of managing clinical governance, quality, risk and patient safety at senior/executive level.
* Experience in workforce planning, resource management and leading multidisciplinary teams.
* Demonstrated success in service improvement, accreditation processes, and compliance with national standards.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to balance clinical priorities and organisational objectives.
* Collaborative leadership style with the ability to motivate and inspire nursing and multidisciplinary teams.
* Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and high-quality patient care.
Skills/ Competencies **
Technical and Professional Expertise
Has a command over the technical/ professional skills and knowledge required within their discipline; with particular reference to the way in which these fit into the overall developments within the sector. Demonstrates eagerness to continuously learn in response to a changing environment and new developments.
Leadership & Management
Manages performance to deliver team goals; demonstrates accountability for leading, directing, monitoring and evaluating services. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best. Promotes confidence and positive attitude; influences others to follow a common goal.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Speaks and writes clearly, fluently and effectively to both individuals and groups; communicates in a manner that will persuade, convince and influence others, in order to motivate, inspire or encourage them to follow a particular course of action.
Building & Maintaining Relationships
Builds and maintains relationships with a network of people. Recognises the two way nature of relationships and works to develop mutually beneficial partnerships. Interacts with others in a manner that builds respect and fosters trust.
Patient Centred
Demonstrates eagerness to understand patient needs. Views the patient as central to the delivery of every day service through consistent understanding, tolerance, care, support and empathy while promoting empowerment, independence and choice.
Commitment to Quality & Risk Management
The ability to focus on understanding stakeholder's needs and expectations and to respond effectively and efficiently to them. Has a good knowledge of and is committed to offer a quality service through the achievement of goals, accreditation standards, other organisation/department standards and risk management frameworks and guidelines.
Results Driven & Accountable
Focuses on delivering results; always concerned with achieving or surpassing goals and/or recognised standards of performance.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary
* Sign on Bonus
* Full-time, permanent employment contract
* Continuous professional development and training opportunities
* Supportive, collaborative working environment
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Opportunities for career progression
* Free on-site parking
At Charter Medical Private Hospital, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and ensure equal opportunity in hiring and advancement. Apply for the above role by sending your CV to including the job title in the subject.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Bike to work scheme
* Employee assistance program
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person