Reference: SNTHPUHGUH
Category: Nursing and Midwifery
Grade: Staff Nurse – General (2135)
Contract Type: Permanent Wholetime
Health Region: HSE West and North West
Location: Galway University Hospitals and Portiuncula University Hospital, County Galway, Ireland
Job Overview
The Staff Nurse Theatre Galway role offers an outstanding opportunity for international nurses seeking to build a long-term career in Ireland’s public health system. This permanent position within Galway University Hospitals and Portiuncula University Hospital provides exposure to a busy and progressive surgical environment while offering structured support, competitive public sector pay, and relocation assistance.
If you are an experienced theatre nurse looking to advance your career in a modern European healthcare system, this role provides stability, professional development, and a welcoming multicultural workplace.
Why Choose Ireland & This Role?
- Permanent public sector employment with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
- Access to the HSE International Recruitment Relocation Package (subject to eligibility).
- Competitive salary aligned to nationally agreed public sector pay scales (February 2026 rates).
- Opportunities for career progression within Ireland’s largest healthcare employer.
- Supportive onboarding and integration into established theatre teams.
- Work in Galway – one of Ireland’s most vibrant and scenic cities, known for its welcoming community and high quality of life.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality perioperative nursing care in accordance with professional and ethical standards.
- Work across scrub, circulating and recovery roles within theatre services.
- Ensure patient safety, dignity, and confidentiality at all times.
- Collaborate closely with surgeons, anaesthetists and multidisciplinary colleagues.
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation and adhere to hospital protocols.
- Participate in quality improvement, audit and infection prevention initiatives.
- Support best practice standards in a fast-paced surgical environment.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Registered General Nurse eligible for registration on the General Division of the Register of Nurses maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
- Theatre or perioperative nursing experience highly desirable.
- Strong clinical judgement and patient-focused approach.
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal).
- Ability to work effectively within a multicultural team.
- Willingness to relocate to Ireland and commit to a permanent post.
Salary, Benefits & Working Hours
- Salary in line with HSE Staff Nurse – General (Grade 2135) pay scale (February 2026 public sector rates).
- Permanent Wholetime contract (full-time hours).
- Public service pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Access to professional development, specialist theatre training and internal mobility opportunities.
- Relocation support available in line with HR Circular 001/2023 (subject to eligibility criteria).
Location & Employer Information
This position is based across Galway University Hospitals and Portiuncula University Hospital in County Galway, Ireland. These acute hospitals form part of HSE West and North West and deliver a wide range of specialist and emergency surgical services.
Ireland offers international nurses a safe, English-speaking working environment within the European Union, with strong professional regulation and career progression pathways.
This job opportunity is open to both HSE and non-HSE applicants.
Relocation Package
The HSE offers an International Recruitment Relocation Package to relevant applicants. Please refer to HR Circular 001/2023 at the following link
Proposed Interview Date: Interviews will be held on a rolling basis to form panels. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom and face to face.
Informal Enquiries:
Ms Mairead McGovern, Assistant Director of Nursing Theatre, Galway University Hospitals
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +353 91 893538
Ms Sheila McCrorie, Assistant Director of Nursing, Portiuncula University Hospital
Email: [email protected]
Last Day to Apply: 14 April 2026 at 10:00 AM
