The National Clinical Programme for Critical Care is seeking applications for the position of Nurse Lead in Dublin. This senior nursing leadership opportunity offers experienced healthcare professionals the chance to contribute to the strategic development and delivery of critical care services across Ireland within the Health Service Executive.
This permanent whole-time Director of Nursing 1 – Assistant role is ideal for candidates with strong leadership, clinical governance, and programme management experience in critical care services. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting national clinical priorities and enhancing patient care outcomes within the HSE.
Job Overview
The Nurse Lead will support the National Clinical Programme for Critical Care by providing nursing leadership, strategic oversight, and programme coordination within a national healthcare environment. The role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, healthcare leaders, and stakeholders to improve critical care delivery and patient outcomes across acute services.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide nursing leadership within the National Clinical Programme for Critical Care
- Support the implementation of national critical care strategies and service improvements
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary clinical teams and healthcare stakeholders
- Contribute to clinical governance, quality improvement, and patient safety initiatives
- Assist in the development of policies, standards, and operational frameworks
- Support programme planning, reporting, and service evaluation activities
- Promote best practice and evidence-based nursing care within critical care services
- Engage with healthcare management teams to support national service priorities
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
- Relevant experience in nursing leadership and critical care services
- Strong communication, organisational, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience in clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives
- Ability to lead service development and change management projects
- Demonstrated understanding of healthcare policy and acute care services
- Eligibility requirements apply under this confined competition campaign
- Please refer to the official Job Specification document for full eligibility criteria
Salary, Benefits & Working Hours
Salary is aligned with the Director of Nursing 1 – Assistant salary scale within the HSE. This is a permanent whole-time position offering long-term career development opportunities within Ireland’s public healthcare system.
Benefits may include public sector pension entitlements, annual leave, professional development opportunities, and access to national healthcare leadership programmes.
Location & Employer Information
This Nurse Lead role is based in Dublin and operates within the National Clinical Programme for Critical Care under the Health Service Executive. The successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of critical care services on a national scale, supporting healthcare delivery improvements and patient-centred care initiatives across Ireland.
The Health Service Executive is Ireland’s public health service provider, delivering essential healthcare and social services nationwide.
Application Details
Applications should be made by CV together with a brief statement clearly outlining relevant experience.
Email applications to: HR.CDI@HSE.IE
Please include “Nurse Lead | National Clinical Programme for Critical Care” in the subject line of your email application.
Informal enquiries can be directed to Elaine Brown, Portfolio Manager at elaine.brown@hse.ie.
Recruitment Campaign Type: Confined Competition
Proposed interview dates will take place shortly after the closing date.





