DIRECTOR OF NURSING (DON)

Permanent – Full Time

Bon Secours Hospital Cork is part of the Bon Secours Health System which is the largest independent hospital group in Ireland with over 2,500 staff including 350 leading consultants. We treat more than 200,000 patients annually. We are now inviting applications for the above post from suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

The Director of Nursing (DON) is a leading and a key member of the hospital's Nursing Leadership and Patient Services governance structure. Working closely with the Hospital CEO, the ADON team, and multidisciplinary colleagues, the post holder provides leadership to ensure safe, effective, and efficient patient flow and service delivery across all clinical areas.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strategic vision, sound judgement and strong communication and relationship-building skills. They will be committed to fostering a positive professional culture, supporting nursing excellence, empowering clinical leaders and working collaboratively with colleagues across the hospital. A strong commitment to the Mission and Values of Bon Secours, with compassion, integrity and patient wellbeing at the centre of decision-making, is essential.

Essential Candidate Requirements:

Current registration in the General Division of the Register of Nurses maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
A third-level qualification in Nursing and/or Healthcare Management.
Significant acute hospital nursing experience, including a minimum of five years in senior nursing management.
Proven ability to lead nursing services, translate strategic priorities into operational plans, manage resources effectively and deliver measurable improvements.
Strong leadership skills, with experience in developing, motivating and managing senior nursing leaders, including ADONs, CNMs and CNSs, alongside multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrable experience in budgeting, financial management and workforce planning, with a focus on effective resource utilisation.
A proven track record in clinical governance, quality improvement, risk management and patient safety, supported by measurable outcomes.
Experience working within a regulated healthcare environment, such as HIQA, JCI or an equivalent framework, with successful accreditation outcomes.
Experience in developing new or existing medical and surgical services.
Senior leadership experience in implementing or strengthening healthcare quality management systems.

Desirable Candidate Requirements

A Master’s degree in Leadership, Management or Business Administration.
A postgraduate clinical qualification.
Experience in private healthcare.
Involvement in electronic health record implementation or optimisation.

How to Apply

Applications for the above post are to be submitted online to Aine Ryan, Talent Acquisition Specialist. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to our careers page where you can upload your resume. Not all fields in the application process are required to submit your CV successfully. Please ensure you have received a notification that your application is submitted.

Informal enquiries welcome to Aine Ryan on 021-4801664 or email recruitment@bonsecours.ie

Closing date for applications is Monday 16th of November 2026.

Bon Secours Health System is an equal opportunities employer. Our values of Human Dignity, Compassion, Stewardship, Service and Integrity guide everything we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees have the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities and perspectives, and provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require any assistance, please contact apryan@bonsecours.ie

Join us in our mission to provide exceptional care to the community of Cork

BON SECOURS HEALTH SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Director Of Nursing

Job Description