Job Overview
The Staff Nurse, Mental Health (Graduate 2026) role within HSE South West offers an excellent opportunity for newly qualified nurses to begin a rewarding career in mental health services across Cork and Kerry. This permanent wholetime position provides exposure to diverse clinical settings, supporting individuals with mental health needs while developing professional competencies in a structured healthcare environment.
This Staff Nurse Mental Health Cork Kerry role is ideal for graduates seeking meaningful impact, strong mentorship, and long-term career progression within Ireland’s public health service.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, person-centred nursing care to individuals with mental health needs
- Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in line with best practice standards
- Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary mental health teams
- Maintain accurate patient records and documentation
- Promote recovery-focused approaches and patient independence
- Ensure compliance with clinical governance and safety standards
- Engage in continuous professional development and training
- Support families and carers through effective communication and education
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Be eligible for registration as a Psychiatric Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
- Recent or upcoming graduate in mental health nursing (2026 intake)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
- Demonstrated commitment to patient-centred care
- Understanding of mental health policies and procedures
- Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic healthcare environment
Salary, Benefits & Working Hours
Salary: Competitive pay aligned with HSE salary scales
- Permanent wholetime contract offering long-term career stability
- Structured graduate support and training programmes
- Access to continuous professional development opportunities
- Public sector pension scheme and benefits
- Annual leave entitlements in line with HSE policies
- Exposure to a wide range of mental health services and specialties
Location & Employer Information
This role is based across Cork and Kerry within the HSE South West region, covering a diverse range of mental health services including community, inpatient, and specialist care settings. The region provides a dynamic and supportive clinical environment where nurses can gain broad experience while contributing to essential mental health services across urban and rural communities.
Working within HSE South West means joining one of Ireland’s largest healthcare providers, delivering critical services and playing a key role in improving mental health outcomes across the region.
Application Details
This opportunity is open to both HSE and non-HSE applicants. Candidates are strongly advised to download and review the Job Specification, Application Form, and Applicant Information Document before applying.
All sections of the application form must be completed in full. A competency question guide is available within the campaign documentation and should be reviewed carefully.
For queries or technical support, contact: AreaDonAMHS.Cork@hse.ie
Informal Enquiries:
- IHA Cork North and East – Niamh Hurley, Interim Area Director of Nursing (niamha.hurley@hse.ie | 087-2906136)
- IHA Cork South and West & Cork CAMHS – Jennie Synnott, Area Director of Nursing (jennie.synnott@hse.ie | 087-6016820)
- Kerry Adult & CAMHS – Aidan Murphy, Acting Area Director of Nursing (aidan.murphy@hse.ie | 086 7922619)
Ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline.
Last Day to Apply: 22 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
