Nurse Career Guide: How to Become a Nurse in Ireland

Updated 26 Jan 2026

Nursing is a highly rewarding and in-demand profession in Ireland, combining hands-on patient care with opportunities for career development in hospitals, community settings, specialist services, and beyond. Nurses play a critical role in healthcare delivery, supporting patients throughout treatment, recovery, and overall wellbeing.

This guide is designed for students, career changers, and international applicants seeking to start or advance their nursing career in Ireland.

What Is a Nurse?

A nurse is a trained healthcare professional responsible for patient care, supporting medical teams, and promoting health across a variety of clinical environments. Nurses work with individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, offering emotional support, administering medication, monitoring health conditions, and coordinating care.

In Ireland, nursing roles include:

• Registered General Nurse (RGN)
• Mental Health Nurse
• Intellectual Disability Nurse
• Children’s Nurse
• Specialist Nurse (e.g., ICU, theatre, paediatrics)

Key Fact: There are over 55,000 nurses in Ireland, with high demand across public and private sectors.

Nurses contribute to society by:

• Delivering compassionate care
• Advocating for patients
• Promoting public health
• Ensuring patient safety and quality outcomes

What Does a Nurse Do Day to Day?

Daily responsibilities vary by specialty but typically include:

• Administering medications and monitoring patient responses
• Conducting assessments and recording patient history
• Supporting patient recovery and discharge planning
• Collaborating with doctors, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals
• Using medical equipment such as infusion pumps, vital sign monitors, and electronic health records (EHR/EPIC)
• Managing documentation, patient files, and digital health records
• Working shifts, including nights, weekends, and bank shifts

Why Become a Nurse?

A nursing career offers purpose, satisfaction, and professional growth:

• Making a difference: Directly improve patients’ lives and wellbeing
• Skill development: Gain specialist skills in areas such as ICU, oncology, paediatrics, mental health, or critical care
• Team culture: Work in supportive, multidisciplinary teams
• Job security: High demand across public and private sectors in Ireland and abroad
• Flexibility: Full-time, part-time, agency, travel, or private hospital roles

Where Do Nurses Work?

Nurses in Ireland can work in:

• Public hospitals and clinics under the HSE
• Private hospitals and specialist centres
• Community healthcare and home care services
• Nursing agencies and insourcing teams
• Schools, occupational health, and public health programs

Some of our current employers hiring Nurses include:

• CPL Healthcare
• Clarity Recruitment
• Hospital.ie

Skills and Qualities Needed

Clinical Skills:

• Patient assessment and monitoring
• Medication administration
• Wound care and IV therapy
• Infection control

Soft/Behavioural Skills:

• Communication and empathy
• Teamwork and leadership
• Decision-making under pressure
• Emotional resilience

Technical Skills:

• Digital patient records (EHR/EPIC systems)
• Operating diagnostic and monitoring equipment
• Data reporting, audits, and basic IT literacy

Qualifications and Training

1. Standard Undergraduate Route

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (General, Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, Children’s Nursing)
• Completion of clinical placements throughout the degree
• Registration with NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland)

2. Apprenticeships / Healthcare Support Route

• Nursing assistant or healthcare support roles
• On-the-job training may lead to undergraduate nursing programs

3. Career Change Route

• Healthcare support workers can enter graduate-entry nursing programs

4. Specialist Post-Registration Courses

• ICU, oncology, paediatrics, mental health, palliative care, nurse practitioner
• May lead to specialist or leadership roles

5. International Applicants

• NMBI-recognised nursing qualification required
• English language proficiency (IELTS/OET)
• May complete adaptation programs or supervised practice before full registration

You can read our guide to working as a healthcare assistant whilst registering with the NMBI here.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse?

• Undergraduate nursing degree: 3–4 years
• Clinical placements are integrated throughout
• Postgraduate or career-change programs may take 2–3 years
• International nurses may require 6–12 months for adaptation programs

Nurse Salary and Pay Bands

HSE Pay Scales:

• Staff Nurse (Entry-level): €33,000 to €42,000
• Experienced Nurse: €40,000 to €55,000
• Senior/Specialist Nurse: €55,000 to €70,000+

Additional Enhancements:

• Night shifts, weekends, public holidays
• Overtime and agency work
• Private sector roles may offer slightly higher pay

Career Progression and Specialisms

• Pathway: Newly Qualified → Experienced Staff Nurse → Senior/Specialist → Ward/Service Lead
• Specialisms: ICU, oncology, paediatrics, mental health, theatre, critical care
• Leadership roles: Nurse Manager, Educator, Advanced Nurse Practitioner

progressing in the clinical role includes starting out as a staff nurse...then going up the ranks and maybe becoming a sister and then going on to a clinical nurse specialist if you want, and then an ANP.

Claire Quinn, Student Nurse and Vlogger

Read Claire's complete blog on how an Irish nurse can progress through the system here.

Pros and Cons of Being a Nurse

Pros:

+ Rewarding, purposeful career with societal impact

+ High demand and job security

+ Continuous learning and career advancement opportunities

Cons:

- Emotional challenges and patient loss

- Shift work including nights and weekends

- Physically demanding

A Day in the Life of a Nurse

• Morning ward rounds, patient assessments, and care planning
• Administering treatments and medications
• Collaborating with doctors, therapists, and social workers
• Supporting patients’ families
• Evening handover and documentation

Is a Nursing Career Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• Are you motivated by patient care and improving lives?
• Do you enjoy hands-on healthcare work?
• Can you manage stress and emotionally challenging situations?
• Are you flexible with shift patterns and work environments?
• Are you seeking a stable, high-demand profession with lifelong learning opportunities?

How to Apply for Nursing Jobs

• Sign up for job alerts on HSE, private hospitals, and nursing agencies
• Prepare a professional CV highlighting clinical skills and qualifications
• Apply through the HSE Careers portal, private providers, or agency websites

FAQs About Becoming a Nurse in Ireland

Can I become a nurse without a degree?

A Level 8 nursing degree is required for full NMBI registration. Healthcare support experience can lead to entry into nursing programs.

How do international nurses register in Ireland?

Must hold a recognized qualification, meet English proficiency requirements, and may complete an adaptation program.

Are there part-time or flexible nursing roles?

Yes, part-time, bank, and agency positions are available across hospitals, community services, and private providers.

How long are clinical placements during a nursing degree?

Integrated throughout the degree in hospitals, community services, and specialist units.

What career progression is available for nurses?

Staff nurse → Experienced → Senior/Specialist → Leadership roles. Postgraduate specialization is available.

What subjects are recommended for Leaving Certificate students?

English, Maths, and a science subject (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) are recommended for CAO nursing applications.

Can nurses work in private hospitals in Ireland?

Yes, private hospitals offer roles for staff and specialist nurses, often with flexible contracts.

Is ICU nursing difficult to enter?

ICU requires additional training and experience, typically after general nursing experience.

What is the average nursing salary in Ireland?

• Entry-level: €33,000 to €42,000
• Experienced: €40,000 to €55,000
• Specialist/senior: €55,000 to €70,000+.

Resources and Further Reading

• NMBI – Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland