Director of nursing

Salary Scale for position ranges from point 1 €82,633 to point 7 (max of the scale) €92,220Job Title and GradeDirector of Nursing/Person in ChargeGrade Code: 2906Closing Date: 2nd January 2026A panel may be formed for vacancies at this level that may arise in the following 12 months from closing date.Salary Scale for position ranges from point 1 €82,633 to point 7 (max of the scale) €92,220Job Title and GradeDirector of Nursing/Person in ChargeGrade Code: 2906Closing Date: 2nd January 2026A panel may be formed for vacancies at this level that may arise in the following 12 months from closing date.Job Specification & Terms and ConditionsRemunerationThe salary scale for the post is point 1 (€82,633) to point 7 (€92,220) as at 01/12/2025Salary Scales are updated periodically and the most up to date versions can be found here: Closing Date: 02/01/2026 or 2nd January 2026Proposed Interview Date (s)Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks' notice of interview. The timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.Taking up AppointmentA start date will be indicated at job offer stage.Location of PostLeopardstown Park HospitalA panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Director of Nursing, from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.Informal Enquiries to:Name: Adrian Ahern - Interim CEOEmail: Phone: Details of ServiceLeopardstown Park Hospital is a registered centre for the provision of services to Older people, it provides Day Services and Long Term Care, situated in South Co. Dublin. It was established in 1917 and continues to provide interdisciplinary services on a seven day, twenty-four-hour basis.The client group catered for are Adults and Older Persons.The team structure is made up of:Chief Executive OfficerDirector of Nursing/Person in ChargeAssistant Director of NursingCNM3Clinical Placement co OrdinatorQuality and patient Safety ManagerCatering OfficerClinical Nurse Manager 2Staff NursesHealth Care AssistantsSupport StaffHSCPsReporting RelationshipProfessionally accountable to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Line management reporting arrangements to the CEO.Key Working RelationshipsThe Director of Nursing/Peron in Charge will work in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Nursing.The senior management team provide support and assistance to the Clinical Nurse Managers on the wards to ensure a safe delivery of service. The Director of Nursing liaises regularly with the Interdisciplinary teams.Purpose of the PostThe post holder will play a strategic role in the overall vision and direction of the organisation. They will advise Leopardstown Park Hospital through the Chief Executive Officer and the Hospital Board on related matters.The post holder will provide professional and business leadership for the areas under their brief and a high level of expertise and understanding of Nursing and other designated areas to managers within these areas.The post holder will be required to liaise with other department managers and staff both on the service profile and overall management of the organisation as well as the development and implementation of organisational policy in related areas.To support the CEO in the professional planning and commissioning of new services and new ways to deliver efficient and effective services with a key focus on resident centred experience and safe and effective outcomes of care.To foster a collaborative approach to working with other managers and departmentsTo provide professional / clinical leadership.To oversee the management of resources including staffing and staff development and training.To facilitate communication across the healthcare team.The post holder is the Person in Charge as defined under Regulation 14 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013. The Person in Charge holds statutory responsibility for the full management, governance, operational oversight and regulatory compliance of the designated centre, and acts as the primary point of accountability to the Chief Inspector (HIQA) regarding the safety, quality and standard of care delivered to residents.The post of DON/PIC has a pivotal role in service planning and development, coordinating and managing activity and resources within the clinical area. The DON/PIC's responsibilities include overseeing the quality of nursing care, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and adherence to legislative requirements, the development and implementation of policy and procedures, the monitoring of activity and the delivery of agreed levels of service.Specifically, the DON/PIC has responsibility for:Nursing (inclusive of Clevis Welfare Home Manager)Health Care AssistantsCatering ServicesHealth & SafetyQuality & Patient SafetyPrincipal Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Director of Nursing, /Person in Charge will:Management and LeadershipParticipate in the development of the overall service plan and in monitoring and review of activity against plans.Participate in the overall financial planning of the service including the assessment of priorities in pay and non-pay expenditure.Participate in the management of the nursing and support services to optimise effectiveness, quality and efficiency, monitoring activity levels and intervening to align resources and maximize efficiencies.Plan and guide activities to promote optimum patient care in accordance with service policies and procedure.Monitor activity within hospital and liaise with Senior Clinicians regarding level of care required.Review and develop roster schedules across the service units to provide for optimal scheduling versus workload requirements and skill mixParticipate in coordinating staff deployment across service units to meet fluctuations in demand.Be responsible for the review, implementation and associated monitoring of the hospital admission, and discharge protocol. Provide reports on bed capacity, resident activity data, bed state handover and clinical incidents to the management team.Provide operational support to areas of responsibility to include senior management walkabouts, safety and quality checks and patient satisfaction.Provide innovative and effective leadership, support and guidance to nursing and allied staff at all levels.Serve on such working groups or committees as requestedDevelop a shared sense of commitment and participation among staff in the management of change, the development of the nursing services and in responding to the changing health needs of residents.Engage in projects and service developments, representing senior nursing on committees and groups.Maintain a feedback mechanism and report to senior management where appropriate.Keep the Chief Executive Officer appraised of any significant developments within their area of responsibility.Undertake other relevant duties as may be determined from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer or other designated officer.Professional / Clinical ResponsibilitiesProvide safe, comprehensive nursing care to residents and service users within the guidelines laid out by Bord Altranais agus Cnaimhseachais na hEireann.Practice nursing according to Professional Clinical Guidelines, National and Health Service Executive guidelines, local policies, protocols and guidelines, current legislation.Provide a high level of professional and clinical leadership.Assist with the direction and supervision of the nursing service to provide a high level of care.Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Mission and Values of the Hospital.Support the principle that the care of the resident always comes first and approach work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree.Ensure that residents/ service users and others are treated with dignity and respect. Place kindness and compassion at the core of daily work.Be the point of contact for clinical service and resident related enquiriesAttend out of hours clinical emergencies as appropriate of which staff have been summoned such as cardiac arrest, untoward incidents etc.Be a point of contact for out of hour's servicesParticipate in teams as appropriate, communicating and working in co-operation with the other team members and the wider multi-disciplinary teams.Facilitate co-ordination, cooperation and liaison across health care teams and programmes.Adhere and contribute to the development and maintenance of nursing standards, protocols and guidelines consistent with the highest standards of resident care.Manage, monitor and evaluate the systems of nursing care delivery and recommend changes in nursing procedures, practices and policies to reflect an evidence based practice approach to service delivery.Participate in development of quality initiatives including clinical audit and investigation of complaints and untoward incidents as neededMaintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation.Human Resource ManagementParticipate in the formulation of relevant Human Resource policies and procedures.Ensure policies and procedures facilitate the recruitment, induction and retention of nursing personnel.Ensure that enough qualified and experienced staff are available to fill vacancies arising from predictable staff turnover or to deal with periodic peaking of demand.Facilitate and lead in the development and implementation of family friendly initiatives to support nursing personnel participate in the workforce.Engage in the HSE's performance achievement process with Line Manager and direct reports.Facilitate in the development of personal development planning for nursing personnel.Give support and counsel to nursing and allied staff as necessary and act in accordance with agreed service policy, if necessary.Monitor sickness / absence and implement local and national control measures, and proactively manage persistent poor staff attendance in association with the HR ManagerImplement procedures for dealing with staff grievances, handling disciplinary matters or negotiating on conditions of employment appropriate to the work as set out in Human Resource policies.Foster good employee relations and promote good communication among nursing staff and their interdisciplinary colleagues.Deal with relevant industrial relations issues relating to nursing and allied staff in consultation with the HR Department and the CEO, where relevant.Act as spokesperson for the Hospital as requiredDemonstrate pro-active commitment to all communications with internal and external stakeholdersEducation and TrainingContribute to service development through appropriate continuous education, research initiatives, keeping up to date with nursing literature, recent nursing research and new developments in nursing management, education and practice and attend staff study days as considered appropriate.Advise and cooperate with the HR Manager, CEO and academic bodies etc., where necessary.Provide for the organisation and the overseeing of clinical placements for student nurses.Support and facilitate the education and development requirements of the competency-based approach to nurse management.Identify the clinical learning needs of staff relevant to service requirements and individual personal development, thereby ensuring in-service training programmes meet service needs and fulfil the scope of practice for professional development.Provide support/advice to those engaging in continuous professional development in their area of responsibility.Participate in the identification, development and delivery of induction, education, training and development programmes for nursing and non-nursing staff.Participate in in-service training, orientation programmes and appraisals of all nursing staff.Participate in nurse training programmes and any other programmes pertaining to future development in the service.Provide support supervision and professional development of appropriate staff.Clinical Governance, Quality Assurance, Risk, Health and SafetyComply with the policies, procedures and safe professional practice of the Irish Healthcare System by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.Ensure that effective safety procedures are developed and managed to comply with statutory obligations.Assist in the development, implementation and review of Health and Safety statements, risk registers as appropriate.Adequately identify, assess, manage and monitor risks within their area of responsibility.Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of the relevant person(s).Monitor, audit and ensure a high level of adherence to hygiene and infection control standards and decontamination, ensuring strict adherence to hand hygiene policies.Lead on and act as a role model in relation to adherence to standards.Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others.Ensure adherence to policies in relation to the care and safety of any equipment supplied for the fulfilment of duty. Ensure advice of relevant stakeholders is sought prior to procurement.Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, NationalStandards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards.Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.Eligibility CriteriaQualifications and/ orexperience1. a) i)Candidates must have at the latest date of application: -Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:Are registered, or are eligible for registration, in the General Nurse Division, and other divisions as relevant to the specific service, of the Register of Nurses and Midwives, as appropriate, maintained by the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) (Bord Altranais agus Cnaimhseachais na hEireann).And ii)Have 7 years post registration nursing experience and 3 years nursing management experience at a minimum of Clinical Nurse Manager 2 (CNM 2) in a community setting.And iii)Have successfully completed a post registration programme of study, as certified by the education provider, which verifies that the applicant has achieved a National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major academic Level 8 or higher award maintained by Quality & Qualifications of Ireland (QQI) or can provide written evidence from the Higher Education Institute that they have achieved the number of ECTS credits equivalent to a Level 8 or higher standard in a health care or management related area.And b)Candidates must possess the requisite clinical, leadership, managerial and administrative knowledge and ability for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.2. Annual Registrationi)Practitioners must maintain live annual registration on the General Nurse Division of the Nurses & Midwifery Register maintained by the Nursing & Midwifery Registration Board (NMBI) (Bord Altranais agus Cnaimhseachais na hEireann).Andii) Practitioners must confirm annual registration with NMBI to the Nursing Administration Department by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC)3. HealthA candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.4. CharacterEach candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.Please note that appointment to and continuation in posts that require statutory registration is dependent upon the post holder maintaining annual registration in the relevant division of the register maintained by Bord Altranais agus Cnaimhseachais na hEireann (Nursing Midwifery Board Ireland)Post Specific RequirementsDemonstrate depth and breadth of nursing experience in Older Persons Service as relevant to the roleOther requirements specific to the postAccess to appropriate transport is necessary to fulfil the duties of the roleTo participate in evening/weekend and bank holiday/on-call rosters as required in respect to service developments.Skills, competencies and/or knowledgeDirector of Nursing/Person in Charge must demonstrate:Knowledge / Experience Relevant to the RoleThe clinical knowledge, management and administrative capacity to discharge the functions of the postThe knowledge, abilities and technical skills required to oversee the provision of a safe, efficient and effective serviceSound clinical and professional judgementA high degree of commitment, professionalism and dedication to the philosophy of quality health care provisionA commitment to keeping up to date on quality, safety and clinical governance systems, and professional developments in nursing and midwifery.Self-awareness, a commitment to continuous professional development and research, a willingness to both teach and learn.A willingness to engage with and develop IT skills relevant to the role.Empowering and enabling leadership styleDirector of Nursing/Person in Charge must:Shape and direct a culture of clinical excellenceUse a consultative approach, be approachable and keep channels of communication openUse a democratic style and encourage staff to make decisions about their environment. Delegate effectively.Work to create a team ethos and collaboration across services at front-lineEncourage synergies and sharing of ideas and learning from projectsLead enthusiastically on change - influences staff positively and gets 'buy-in'Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change and ability to lead and support others in a changing environment.Setting and monitoring performance standardsDemonstrate understanding of, and commitment to, the underpinning requirements and key processes in providing quality patient centred care.Demonstrate an ability to monitor and evaluate service performance and levels of care.Intervene decisively where service levels or quality are below standard and establishes remedial processBe assertive in addressing staff performance issues, intervening in a timely and positive wayCoach and mentor staff to improve their performanceEncourage staff development and sharing of best practice, linking staff development and training to the priority service needs.Adequately identify, manage and report on risk within area of responsibility.Proactive approach to planningLook ahead and forward plan for service developments, anticipate trends and identify opportunitiesShow awareness of service needs, able to analyse and assess current systems and demand levels to develop best system / service response, based on needsCollaborate with other disciplines and agencies in the development of service plansEnsure that the learning from new service models and practices influence service planningEffective co-ordination of resourcesShow system understanding and the ability to balance multiple resourcing issuesConsistently achieve efficiencies in resource usage by intelligent deployment, adjustments and monitoringPlan, organise and deliver services in an efficient, effective and resourceful manner, within a model of patient centred care and value for money.Can skilfully deploy and adjust human resources to meet changes, demands and contingenciesManage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.Implement effective monitoring systems for all key resource deployments.Effectively evaluate data and other information sources to inform decisions and solve problems.Communication and Interpersonal SkillsDemonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner (verbal and written)Able to use a high level of communication skills to convince or argue the needs of staff and of the serviceDemonstrate effective interpersonal skills including the ability to engage collaboratively with stakeholders; give constructive feedback.Anticipates objections and prepares ground, gets into consultation earlyShows a balanced approach in disputes and listens to all sides, is open mindedRetains composure under pressure and stays calm, is assertive but not aggressive.Campaign Specific Selection ProcessRanking/Shortlisting / InterviewA ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out based on information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about your experience considering those requirements.Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in 'bands' depending on the service needs of the organisation.Diversity, Equality and InclusionLeopardstown Park Hospital (LPH) is an equal opportunities employer.Employees of the LPH bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. LPH believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success - we aim to develop the workforce to reflect society's diversity to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives.LPH is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employeesinclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. LPH aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.LPH welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long-term health condition.Code of PracticeLeopardstown Park Hospital will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles that should be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards that should be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.The CPSA Code of Practice can be accessed via The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.This Job Specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.Director of Nursing/Person in ChargeTerms and Conditions of EmploymentTenureThe current vacancy available is permanent and whole time.The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at "expression of interest" stage.Appointment as an employee of LPH is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.RemunerationThe Salary scale for the post is: €82,633 - €92,220 (as at 01/12/2025)New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.Working WeekThe standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed at Job Offer stage.Annual LeaveThe annual leave associated with the post is 28 days per annum.SuperannuationThis is a pensionable position. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Provision is made for pensions, and where applicable is in accordance with either the Local Government (Superannuation) Act 1956, and Superannuation (Revision) Scheme, 1977 and 1998 or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme Act, 2012AgeThe Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.Public Servants not affected by this legislation:Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26-week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26-week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.Probation6 monthsProtection of Children Guidance and LegislationAs this post is one of those designated under the Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointmentInfection ControlHave a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.Health & SafetyIt is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Specific Safety Statement.Key responsibilities include:Developing a Specific Safety Statement for the department, as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work in conjunction with the Risk Co OrdinatorEnsuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) are integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for staff, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with LPH/HSE procedures