Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)

Bon Secours Health System; Cork; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Bon Secours Hospital Cork invites applications for the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON). The ADON is a senior operational nursing leader working with the Director of Nursing to ensure safe, effective patient flow and service delivery.

The role involves strategic leadership, governance, and driving quality improvement across clinical areas. Applicants should be registered with the NMBI, have 5+ years post-registration acute experience, and at least 2 years in CNMII or higher management.

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.
• Management qualification is desirable.
• Experience in service improvement and development.
• Knowledge of Quality Framework Health Services in Ireland and Accreditation processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to ensure safe, effective and efficient patient flow and service delivery across all clinical areas.
• Collaborate with the Director of Nursing, the ADON team and multidisciplinary colleagues.
• Contribute to hospital-wide operational decision-making, capacity planning and risk oversight.
• Drive quality improvement and performance, supporting hospital priorities.
• Lead governance, change management, and cross-department coordination.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Project management

Problem solving

Decision making

Interpersonal skills

Team building

Education

NMBI General Division Registration

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 Friday 30th of October 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