Director of Nursing-Galway

Director of Nursing
Location: Private Care & Rehabilitation Centre (Ireland)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Reports To: Senior Management Team / Registered Provider
Role Purpose
The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the overall leadership, management and quality of nursing and care services within the centre. The role ensures safe, person-centred care in line with clinical best practice, regulatory requirements, and organisational policies. The DON is a key member of the centre's leadership team and plays a central role in strategic planning, governance, and service development.
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Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Quality of Care
* Provide clinical leadership and oversight to ensure safe, high-quality, evidence-based care.
* Maintain compliance with HIQA Standards, relevant legislation, and organisational policies.
* Lead the development and implementation of care plans, clinical audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
* Ensure effective safeguarding, risk management, and incident-reporting practices.
Management & Operations
* Oversee day-to-day clinical operations, ensuring adequate staffing, resources, and workflow.
* Develop, implement, and review nursing policies and procedures.
* Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and record-keeping in accordance with regulatory requirements.
* Participate in strategic planning and contribute to the continuous development of the service.
Staff Management & Development
* Recruit, supervise, and support nursing and care staff.
* Lead performance management, staff appraisal, and professional development programmes.
* Foster a positive, collaborative working environment that supports learning and high standards of practice.
* Organise and coordinate mandatory training and continuous professional education.
Resident Experience & Family Engagement
* Promote and support a person-centred culture that values respect, dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing.
* Maintain effective communication with residents, families, advocates, and multidisciplinary stakeholders.
* Address concerns or complaints promptly and professionally.
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Qualifications & Requirements
* Registered General Nurse with active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
* Minimum of 3 years post-registration experience, including significant experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
* Strong knowledge of HIQA Standards, Safeguarding, and relevant healthcare legislation.
* Demonstrated experience in managing teams, service quality, and clinical governance.
* Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
* Commitment to person-centred care and continuous improvement.
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Desirable Skills & Experience
* Postgraduate qualification in management, gerontology, rehabilitation, or related area.
* Experience in a residential care or rehabilitation setting.
* Proven ability to lead change, manage complex cases, and support multidisciplinary teams.
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Key Competencies
* Leadership & Decision-Making
* Clinical & Professional Expertise
* Communication & Collaboration
* Quality & Risk Management
* Staff Development & Mentorship
* Strategic Thinking & Service Improvement

If interested, Please forward CV to Neill.carthy@headhuntinternational.com or call Christy on +353 87 947 3404