Cork University Hospital is seeking an experienced and dynamic Clinical Nurse Manager 2 to join our Theatre department at our Wilton campus in Cork. This permanent wholetime position offers an excellent opportunity to lead clinical skills development in a fast-paced surgical environment within one of Ireland’s leading university hospitals.
About Cork University Hospital
Cork University Hospital (CUH) is one of Ireland’s largest academic teaching hospitals, providing comprehensive healthcare services to the people of Cork and the wider Munster region. As part of the South/South West Hospital Group, CUH combines cutting-edge medical care with research excellence and education. Our Theatre department maintains the highest standards of perioperative care, handling a diverse range of surgical specialties in a modern, well-equipped facility.
About the Role
The Clinical Nurse Manager 2 – Clinical Skills Facilitator, Theatre position plays a pivotal role in maintaining excellence in perioperative nursing practice. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Nursing, you will be responsible for coordinating clinical skills development, supporting staff education, and ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care throughout the Theatre department. This is a leadership role that combines clinical expertise with educational responsibility, requiring strong organizational skills and a commitment to continuous professional development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate the clinical skills facilitation program within the Theatre department, ensuring all staff maintain competency in perioperative nursing practices and surgical procedures
- Develop and deliver evidence-based education programs, orientation initiatives, and competency assessments for nursing staff across all surgical specialties within the Theatre environment
- Support and mentor nursing staff in their professional development, providing guidance on clinical skills, procedural techniques, and best practices in perioperative patient care
- Collaborate closely with the multidisciplinary team including surgeons, anaesthetists, and theatre staff to identify training needs and implement quality improvement initiatives
- Ensure compliance with all infection control protocols, patient safety standards, and regulatory requirements specific to the Theatre environment
- Participate in clinical governance activities including audits, incident reviews, and the development of policies and procedures for Theatre nursing practice
- Maintain current knowledge of advances in surgical techniques, perioperative care, and theatre nursing practice through continuous professional development and evidence-based research
Required Qualifications
Essential Requirements
- Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) as a Registered General Nurse
- Minimum of 5 years post-registration experience with substantial recent experience (minimum 3 years) working in Theatre/Operating Room nursing
- Comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of perioperative nursing care including anaesthetic, surgical, and recovery phases
- Evidence of relevant post-registration education in Theatre nursing, such as Higher Diploma or Master’s degree in Perioperative Nursing or related field
- Demonstrated clinical expertise in Theatre nursing across multiple surgical specialties
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment
- Commitment to continuing professional development and evidence-based practice
Preferred Qualifications
- Formal qualification in education, training, or clinical skills facilitation
- Experience in a Clinical Nurse Manager or similar leadership role within Theatre environment
- Knowledge of competency assessment frameworks and adult learning principles
- Previous involvement in quality improvement projects or clinical audit within Theatre services
- Membership of relevant professional organizations such as the Irish Association of Perioperative Nurses (IAPN)
What We Offer
- Competitive salary on the Clinical Nurse Manager 2 – Theatre scale: €60,854 – €76,897 per annum (11 incremental points plus Long Service Increment), with new entrants typically starting at the first point of the scale
- Comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement (minimum 23 days increasing with service), public holidays, and occupational pension scheme
- Career development opportunities including access to study leave, funding support for further education, and clear pathways for professional advancement within nursing leadership
- Supportive work environment with access to state-of-the-art Theatre facilities, modern surgical equipment, and a collaborative multidisciplinary team culture
- Work-life balance with structured shift patterns appropriate to Theatre operations and rostering arrangements that consider staff wellbeing
- Continuous professional development through in-house training programs, external courses, conferences, and opportunities to contribute to research and innovation in perioperative care
Application Details
Reference Number: CUHN85571
Contract Type: Permanent Wholetime
Location: Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork
Health Region: HSE South West
Closing Date: 13th October 2025 at 12:00 PM
Important: Please download and carefully review the detailed Job Specification document before completing your application. The Job Specification contains comprehensive information about the role requirements, person specification, and specific competencies required for this position.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a passionate Theatre nurse with a commitment to clinical excellence and staff development, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding leadership opportunity. Join our team at Cork University Hospital and make a meaningful difference in perioperative nursing education and patient care.
Interviews will be conducted as soon as possible following the closing date, with candidates typically receiving at least two weeks’ notice.
For informal enquiries about this position, please contact:
Noreen O’Leary – Assistant Director of Nursing
Email: noreen.oleary@hse.ie
Phone: 086 787 2340
