drjobs Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) - Medical Directorate - Full Time, Permanent position (08.002 (2025))

Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) - Medical Directorate - Full Time, Permanent position (08.002 (2025))

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Job Location drjobs

Tallaght - Ireland

Monthly Salary drjobs

Not Disclosed

drjobs

Salary Not Disclosed

Vacancy

1 Vacancy

Job Description

Job Description

Assistant Director of Nursing - Medical Directorate - Full Time Permanent position

Reference No: 08.002 (2025)

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The post of Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) for is accountable and professionally responsible to the Director of Nursing but will work in close collaboration with The Directorate Nurse Managers and Senior Nursing Executive committees medical staff senior managers and department heads to ensure the smooth running of the service. The ADON is an integral part of the Senior Nursing Executive team and will work to ensure a quality service.

The post holder requires knowledge of the work to be done and has the potential to lead staff in a changing Health Service. The following job description sets out the role in managing nursing staff and in controlling and managing services within budgetary allocation.

To fulfil the requirements of the position targets and key objectives (based on the job description) will be set by the Director of Nursing for the Assistant Director of Nursing appointed. Quarterly review of performance versus targets will be done during the probationary period and annually thereafter.

Although this is an established role the above duties and responsibilities are reflective of the expectation in defining this role now. This is not an exhaustive list and it is expected that the post holder will embrace the evolving nature of the role consistent with the direction being followed by the hospital and the DMHG in the current dynamic and changing operating environment.

QUALIFICATIONS
1. Each candidate must on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office -:

  • Be registered in the general division of the live Register of Nurses maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) or be entitled to be so registered.
  • Have at least 7 years recent post-registration nursing experience with 3 years nursing management experience at a minimum of CNM2 grade in an acute setting.
  • Possess a post graduate qualification at not less than level 8 on the NFQ framework in the area of healthcare or management related area.
  • Candidates must possess the requisite clinical leadership managerial and administrative knowledge and ability for the proper discharge of the office.
  • Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrate evidence of higher learning and professional development.
  • Proven clinical and managerial ability with vision and leadership skills to lead and manage the nursing and services agendas in line with the HSE SDU and Dublin Mid Leinster Hospital Group (DMHG) Strategic goals and objectives within the areas of responsibility.

2. Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where they are not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.

3. Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

4. Be of good character.

5. Garda Vetting
Garda Vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital. Given the specialised nature of the services provided your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate. The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquired during the course of your employment. Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda Vetting Unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate this contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda Vetting policy.

6. Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners registered nurses physiotherapists psychologists social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons under the legislation are required to report any knowledge belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault ill-treatment neglect or sexual abuse and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla if requested in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted ill-treated neglected or sexually abused or (b) a childs health development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

1. The appointment is fulltime permanent and pensionable.

2. Remuneration:
Remuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of Health & Children. Current remuneration with effect from 1st March 2025 is:

70701 by 9 increments to 87250

Salary scales will be updated in line with nationally agreed pay agreements and will be updated accordingly and retrospective payments applied as applicable.

3. Pension arrangements and retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:

(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme

Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.

(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.

(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.

(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes). The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

4. Duties:
The ADON Medical Directorate will perform such duties as are outlined in this job description.

5. Hours of work:
Normal working hours are 37.5 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.

6. Probation:
The successful candidate will be appointed initially for a probationary period of 6 months. During the probationary period progress or otherwise will be monitored and at the end of the probationary period the service will (a) be certified as satisfactory and confirmed in writing or (b) if not satisfactory the probationary period may be extended by 3 months.

7. Annual Leave:
Annual leave entitlement is 25-28 working days (pro rata) depending on length of service plus 10 Bank Holidays per annum as they occur. The annual leave year runs from 1st of April to 31st March each year.

8. Sick Leave:
Payment of salary during illness will be in accordance with arrangements as approved from time to time by the Department of Health and Children.

9. Termination of Office:
The employment may be terminated at any time by three months notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Managements right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY
  • Maintain throughout the Hospital awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all Hospital activities.
  • Encourage recognition of the patient as an individual ensuring patients needs and comfort are given priority.
  • Work within the Scope of Practice
  • Comply with all existing Hospital policies
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Hospital/Departmental emergency plans
  • Ensure the provision of a high standard of care to the patient and families is consistent with the mission vision values and strategic plan of the Hospital.
  • Maintain throughout the Hospital awareness of the primacy of the patients in relation to all hospital activities.
  • Report to the Directorate Nurse Manager and will be accountable and professionally responsible to the Director of Nursing.
  • Establish a clear leadership role for all staff and act as a focal point of all management effort within the area of responsibility. He/she will ensure the provision of the most efficient and effective standard of services that is possible within the available resources.
  • Responsible for staff recruitment and retention induction orientation continuous professional development rostering review and deployment of staff the definition and assignment of work and the judging of the quality of its performance.
  • Responsible for the implementation of the major disaster plan including National Childrens Hospital
  • Commitment to continuous professional development including completion of relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning & Development Prospectus.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY
Service

Key roles and responsibilities:
  • Provide strategic operational and clinical leadership and direction for nursing and related services within your area of responsibility resulting in the delivery of effective efficient quality assured and patient centred nursing care. This may involve negotiating with senior management and external agencies to obtain resources introducing new ways of working and selling the benefits of change and resolving employee relations issues
  • Develop a shared sense of commitment and participation among staff in the management of change the development of the nursing services and in responding to the changing health needs of patients. Be proactive about planning for the development of new services and practices anticipating resources needed and forward planning on complex service issues (e.g. new work practices etc)
  • Develop appropriate management and operational links working closely with Hospital Management and other appropriate forums as determined by the Director of Nursing and the CEO making a full contribution to the executive management of the services by taking an inter- professional perspective and adopting a corporate overview to the wider organisation and service strategies.
  • Ensure expenditure is controlled within budget and identify potential areas for achieving further efficiencies and /or cost savings through improved practices and innovation ensuring that critical human and material resources are allocated in an effective way monitoring activity levels and aligning resources and maximise efficiencies. This will include ensuring adequate an supply of staff and the planning and monitoring the use of material resources.
  • Ensure effective budgetary control processes are in place and implement monthly expenditure audit systems setting budgets and tracking expenditure continually reviewing how productively resources are being used to meet service needs.
  • Accept responsibility for the management of all nursing services over a 24-hour period for your assigned areas and ensure that systems are in place to support this responsibility.
  • Keep the Directorate Nurse Manager/DON/ CEO appraised of any significant development within his/her area of responsibility and perform such additional duties as may be assigned from time to time.
  • Promote and maintain the values expressed in the Mission Statement of Tallaght Hospital and ensure that patient focused services and activities are nurtured and developed throughout the Hospital.
  • Act as an ambassador for and lead staff in achieving the Hospitals mission vision values and strategic plan as envisaged by the Board of Tallaght University Hospital.
  • Participate as a member of the Senior Nursing Executive and contribute to the preparation and execution of plans for the service.
  • Observe and comply with Hospital Policies and Procedures and Health and Safety regulations.
  • Participate in meetings team meetings and committees as required.
  • Be aware of all policies in relation to health and safety at ward level especially
  • Fire Prevention
  • Moving and Handling
  • Major Emergency
  • Waste Management
  • Risk Management
  • Keep abreast of new developments in nursing and actively engage in continual professional development.
  • Complete all mandatory in service education sessions.
  • Patient satisfaction must be of prime concern every patient is to be treated as an individual and provided with high quality service in terms of courtesy kindness interest and efficiency.

Details of Function and Performance Standards:

Leadership and Management
  • Creates an enthusiastic and committed work climate through the articulation of the role and contribution of nursing to the service contributing positive views on the future direction and contribution of nursing at both local and national levels
  • Determine how best to achieve the aims directions and objectives set for the Nursing Service and your areas of responsibility within the department to ensure they are delivered within the set timeframe policies and guidelines.
  • Adopt a proactive forward planning approach to service delivery anticipating health trends and developments identifying the need for new services staffing and succession planning
  • Lead and drive the change agenda and initiatives within your portfolio and contribute to wider change agenda for the Hospital DMHG and HSE working collaboratively with key stakeholders to achieve strategic and operational change.
  • Lead manage and develop the services as part of your remit in partnership with consultants/clinical leads within agreed financial allocation and staff complement.
  • Actively pursue cost containment resource efficiency measures bed reconfiguration and catchment area management initiatives and Value for Money (VFM) activities aimed at contributing positively to the Hospitals budgetary/financial and headcount challenges in the current operating environment.
  • Ensure good communication and inter-personal relationships with all staff and the multidisciplinary teams promoting an environment that enhances staff retention and promotes good employee relations.
  • Participate in meetings committees and represent the Nursing Service and the Hospital as required.
  • Introduce changes in education clinical and organizational processes and structures that support the hospital and nurses compliance with the new Nurses and Midwives Act 2011.
  • Be an active participant and leader in the implementation of the National Clinical Care programmes and models of care such as the Directorate Model as required. Take an active role in the design and implementation of structured policies and systems for the management of service delivery which ensure clear role responsibility and accountability for service levels quality and decision making discretion.
  • In consultation with the CEO or other authorised officer and the Human Resources Directorate to ensure effective people management such as resourcing and retention and the allocation of staff within agreed complement.
  • Ensure effective and efficient use of resources within agreed headcount complement and agreed budgets.
  • Carry out ongoing reviews of the workforce plan within areas of responsibility to ensure correct grades and skill mix of staff are available to deliver services and resources are effectively and efficiently utilised.
  • Work in partnership with the relevant clinical personnel other departments and agencies in the development of service level agreements and service development or cost effective business cases as appropriate.
  • Be responsible for people management activities and the introduction and maintenance of management tools and initiatives such as; Team Based Performance Management Legal Framework Personal Development Planning Continuous Professional Development and Learning Needs Analysis etc.
  • Have a strong focus on developing the contribution of staff at all levels. Is a good judge of capability and promotes talent creating a positive climate for the development of performance and contributions at all levels of the services. This will include performance appraisal and review including management development planning developmental tasking and stretching of staff promoting a continuous improvement culture championing and promoting learning throughout the system and putting in place systems to capture and disseminate learning.
  • Promote and monitor the uptake of continuous professional development planning for staff and meet targets for full compliance.
  • Manage staff performance grievance disciplinary and other issues within the context of the organisations HR policies and procedures.
  • Completion of relevant training and availing of supports in the Leadership Academy including coaching mentoring and leadership development as applicable.

Quality of Services
  • Ensure the delivery of high quality patient care within areas of responsibility in line with organizational governance structures and processes.
  • Develop and foster a proactive Health and Safety culture having regard to legislative requirement and best practice.
  • Lead and be proactive in the delivery of best practice standards in collaboration with key stakeholders.
  • Ensure professional protocols policies and guidelines reflecting the code of professional conduct of NMBI and of the organisation are communicated implemented monitored and evaluated regularly.
  • Be responsible in partnership with lead clinicians for identifying services for development within the portfolio and for preparing business cases for these areas including the rationale for development.
  • Support monitor and evaluate methods of quality assurance and clinical effectiveness in nursing practice and overall patient services.
  • Identify and develop research awareness in nursing practice and service delivery and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings among the Multidisciplinary teams.
  • Identify areas for continuous quality improvement and work with interdisciplinary team members to improve processes /systems/practices in line with organizations risk management strategy.
  • Liaise with Nursing Site managers as required.
  • Participate and lead in the Hospitals Accreditation processes (for example HIQA) and other quality management systems in the hospital and DMHG.

Education
  • Ensure that all staff have a clear understanding of their roles responsibilities and the competencies expected to deliver a safe service.
  • Be responsible for facilitating the undergraduate and post registration education programmes.
  • Participate and lead in the delivery of continuous professional development education programmes.
  • Identify and facilitate educational development needs of nurses healthcare assistants and members of the multidisciplinary teams as appropriate.
  • Participate in in-service education as required and represent Tallaght Hospital at national and international meetings and conferences.
  • Read current literature and recent nursing research attend seminars/ conferences and be aware of any new developments in areas of responsibility.
  • The post holder may be requested to participate/ lead projects on a hospital/organisational wide basis by the CEO or other authorised officer.
Information Technology
  • Ensure that the team makes the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
  • Ensure that all staff are trained in the use of computer systems which are used in the management of patient episodes in the Hospital e.g.: EPR Pims Order comms Symphony sap core and synergy

Health & Safety
  • Ensure the compliance of all your staff with the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
  • Comply and enact Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital policies protocols and procedures relevant to your area.
  • Prepare risk assessments and departmental safety statements as required.

Hygiene/Infection Control
  • Ensure you are aware of your responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.
  • Act as a role model and actively promote infection control and prevention and ensure that staff in your area familiarise themselves with the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
  • Ensure that staff in your area are aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
  • Ensure that all your staff are advised that they have a responsibility to prevent the transmission of infection particularly in relation to hand hygiene.

Quality safety and risk management
  • Support the delivery of the Quality Safety and Risk Management Programme including the appropriate identification reporting and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.

Confidentiality
  • You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular the right of patients to confidentiality. To this end you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and in any event upon the termination of your employment all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.

Data Management
  • Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.

Development of Hospital Groups
  • The Hospital Structure is currently under review and therefore reporting relationships may change. The development of Hospital Groups may require the post-holder to adopt a different reporting relationship and additional accountabilities. Full consultation will take place in advance of any such change.

NOTE: The extent and speed of change in the delivery of health care is such that adaptability is essential at this level of appointment. The appointee will be required to maintain enhance and develop their knowledge skills and aptitudes necessary to respond to this changing environment. They will also be required to participate in and support the Hospitals Digital transformation strategy which may impact work processes and role profiles in the future. The Job Description must therefore be regarded as an outline of the major areas of accountability at the present time which will be reviewed and assessed on an on-going basis as advancements and developments evolve.


GENERAL

Applications can be submitted on-line at by completing the application form and attaching your CV.

Candidates should be aware that when applying for a post through the On-Line Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application. Should you for any reason not receive this automated acknowledgement you should notify the Human Resources Department before the closing date otherwise your application will not be considered.

Closing Date: Before close of business on: 27th August 2025

Informal enquiries to Ms Fiona Hillary Medical Directorate Nurse Manager- Telephone (01)or email


All candidates should note that in order to maintain a timely process the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.




Required Experience:

Director

Employment Type

Full-Time

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