Assistant Director of Nursing

Bon Secours Hospital Cork; Cork; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bon Secours Hospital Cork is inviting applications for the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), a senior operational nursing leader reporting to the Director of Nursing. The role focuses on safe, efficient patient flow and service delivery across clinical areas.

You will lead the ADON team, contribute to governance, capacity planning, quality improvement, accreditation and performance development, and collaborate with multidisciplinary colleagues to shape future healthcare delivery in Cork.

Qualifications

• Registered in the General Division of the live register of nurses kept by the NMBI.
• Minimum 5 years post registration experience in an acute setting.
• A minimum of 2 years management experience at CNMII or higher is essential.
• Proven track record in Nursing Management at a senior level.
• Preceptorship/teaching and assessing of students and junior staff is also essential.
• Experience in the implementation of service improvement and development.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to problem solve and use their initiative.
• The ability to negotiate and resolve difficult clinical, operational and interpersonal situations.
• Possess extensive knowledge/experience of the principles and practices of Nurse Management.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Quality Framework Health Services in Ireland and experience in Accreditation processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and team building skills
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Change management, resource management & project management skills
• Understanding of performance and development review processes and assessment of individuals knowledge and skills
• Excellent organisational, problem solving & decision-making skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the nursing leadership team to ensure safe, effective, and efficient patient flow and service delivery across clinical areas.
• Contribute to hospital-wide operational decision-making, capacity planning, escalation management, risk oversight, and cross-departmental coordination.
• Drive quality improvement, support organisational performance, and contribute to the development and implementation of hospital priorities.
• Provide strategic leadership by fostering governance, collaboration, and development of nursing leadership to shape future healthcare delivery in Cork.

Skills

Leadership

Nursing management

Quality improvement

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Change management

Education

NMBI General Registration

Management Qualification

Risk Management experience

Job description

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NURSING (ADON)

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 Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) is a senior operational nursing leader and a key member of the hospital's Nursing Leadership and Patient Services governance structure. Working closely with the Director of Nursing, 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.

As part of the senior nursing leadership team, the ADON contributes to hospital-wide operational decision-making, capacity planning, escalation management, risk oversight, and cross-departmental coordination. The role also provides strategic leadership by driving quality improvement, supporting organisational performance, and contributing to the development and implementation of hospital priorities. Through strong clinical leadership, governance, and collaboration, the ADON strengthens organisational capability and ensures nursing leadership plays a central role in shaping the future delivery of healthcare services.

Candidate Requirements:

• Registered in the General Division of the live register of nurses kept by the NMBI
• Minimum 5 years post registration experience in an acute setting
• A minimum of 2 years management experience at CNMII or higher is essential
• Management Qualification and Risk Management experience is desirable
• A proven track record in Nursing Management at a senior level
• Preceptorship/teaching and assessing of students and junior staff is also essential
• Experience in the implementation of service improvement and development
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to problem solve and use their initiative.
• The ability to negotiate and resolve difficult clinical, operational and interpersonal situations.
• Possess extensive knowledge/experience of the principles and practices of Nurse Management.
• Demonstrate specific knowledge of Quality Framework Health Services in Ireland and to have experience in Accreditation processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and team building skills
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Change management, resource management & project management skills
• Understanding of performance and development review processes and assessment of individuals knowledge and skills
• Excellent organisational, problem solving & decision-making skills

Closing date for applications is Thursday 12th 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 [e-mail]

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

BON SECOURS HEATH SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER