Are you looking for nursing job vacancies in Ireland? Belonging to the Irish healthcare segment brings substantial growth, which offers multiple nursing positions throughout different medical specialities across all practice locations. Whether you’re a newly qualified nurse, an experienced professional, or an international candidate considering a move to Ireland, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about finding and securing nursing jobs in Ireland in 2025.
Latest Facts and News About Nursing Jobs in Ireland
- The Health Service Executive (HSE) is currently offering nursing positions across all specialities, including General, Paediatrics, Midwifery, Mental Health & Community Services throughout Ireland
- The current salary scale for nurses in Ireland ranges from €35,068 to €52,790, with additional pay for shifts and differentials
- Many private nursing homes and healthcare providers are actively recruiting for the upcoming Healthcare Recruitment in Ireland 2025 event
- Relocation packages of up to €4,710 are being offered by the HSE to attract international nurses
- Private hospitals like Beacon Hospital are offering starting bonuses/relocation fees of up to €5,000 along with fully funded private health insurance
Many private nursing home jobs in Ireland providers are actively recruiting for the upcoming Healthcare Recruitment in Ireland 2025 event, indicating continued growth in the sector. Career-minded nursing professionals can benefit from these opportunities because they offer satisfactory salaries and comprehensive benefits.
Overview of the Nursing Job Market in Ireland
The nursing job vacancies in Ireland span various specialities and healthcare settings, creating a diverse job market for qualified professionals. The Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland maintains 82,000 registered nurse members, but their active practitioner count exceeds 65,000.
Various factors support the continuous expansion of nurse jobs across the market.
- As the older population numbers increase, so does their need for medical treatment.
- Expansion of healthcare facilities across the country
- Growing specialization in healthcare services
- Increased focus on community-based care
International recruitment programmes serve as solutions to resolve staffing shortages in Ireland.
The strong nursing market offers extended possibilities to work in various healthcare settings, including public, private, and community services, both for Irish and non-Irish nursing staff. The NMBI registration process is streamlined for qualified candidates, particularly those with experience in specialized fields.
| Sector | Estimated Vacancies (2025) | Average Starting Salary | Key Requirement |
| Public (HSE) | 3,500+ | €35,068 | NMBI Registration, Relevant Qualifications |
| Private Hospitals | 1,800+ | €37,500 | NMBI Registration, Specialty Experience |
| Nursing Homes | 2,200+ | €33,000 | NMBI Registration, Elderly Care Experience |
| Community Care | 1,500+ | €34,500 | NMBI Registration, Community Care Experience |
Types of Nursing Jobs Available in Ireland
Hospital-Based Nursing Positions
Ireland presents an array of nursing jobs across multiple clinical departments available in its hospitals. Medical, surgical, and ICU, along with speciality departments such as cardiology, oncology, and specialised units, form part of hospital-based nursing positions in Ireland. Emergency unit and General Medical rounds out the range.
Permanent nurse positions exist in both public Health Service Executive hospitals and private medical facilities at Beacon Hospital with excellent compensation packages and employee benefits. Hospital-based work offers staff members standardised professional advancement steps and chances to specialise and advance their careers.
Medical facilities throughout Dublin, Cork and Galway, and other major locations frequently update their staff nurse and clinical nurse specialist and advanced nurse practitioner opening lists. Most positions in Ireland offer detailed programmes designed to introduce staff nurses who have joined the Irish healthcare system from other countries. Registered nurse positions in Ireland are particularly abundant in teaching hospitals affiliated with medical schools.
Nursing Home Jobs in Ireland
Nursing home jobs in the Irish sector provide significant employment opportunities, and organisations are actively recruiting nursing professionals. Evergreen Care and Sonas Nursing Homes and multiple private institutions are seeking qualified staff nurses who need clinical nurse managers and speciality nursing personnel.
Nursing homes provide distinctive career advantages that consist of:
- The scheduling pattern in nursing homes follows a more foreseeable pattern than hospital care does.
- Establishing lasting connections with the residents is one of the prime benefits of this job.
- Nursing focuses on treating the entire person and putting patients at the centre of care.
- Staff nurses can become managers through fast career advancement paths.
- The healthcare sector demands more nurses because Ireland has an ageing population
Nursing home staff positions exist in every part of the nation, ranging from big cities to small towns, giving healthcare professionals broad flexibility regarding their preferred settlement.
Community and Home Care Nursing
Ireland offers community nursing positions in public health nursing, home care services, and specialised community-based healthcare. Healthcare workers in such positions can find flexible schedules which allow them to deliver care within patient residences.
Healthcare professionals choose community nursing positions in Ireland because of the following characteristics:
- Working independently
- Nurses establish connections with their patients when delivering care in patients’ domestic surroundings
- Varied daily routines and challenges
- Contributing to preventative healthcare initiatives
- Healthcare workers need to combine their medical capabilities with skills that promote wellness activities
The HSE and private health institutions are strengthening their community nursing platforms so the sector develops additional employment opportunities. Healthcare assistant jobs in Ireland often complement nursing roles in community settings, creating integrated care teams.
Latest Qualifications and Requirements for Nursing Jobs in Ireland 2025
Educational Requirements
The requirement for Irish registered nursing practice involves earning a Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree (BSc in Nursing). The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland demands that all nurses become registered members and complete the designated educational requirements.
The training at Irish nursing education establishments spans four years within multiple specifications, including:
- General Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Intellectual Disability Nursing
- Children’s and General Nursing (Integrated)
- Midwifery
Nurses who come from outside Ireland must obtain approval from the NMBI through an assessment of their qualifications before being granted practice eligibility, which might require additional educational steps or adjustment periods. Irish nursing career opportunities often depend on having the right educational foundation and specialization.
| Nursing Specialty | Required Qualification | Additional Certifications | Career Pathways |
| General Nursing | BSc in General Nursing | Various speciality certifications | Hospital, Community, Management |
| Mental Health | BSc in Psychiatric Nursing | Therapeutic approaches, Crisis intervention | Psychiatric facilities, Community mental health |
| Intellectual Disability | BSc in Intellectual Disability Nursing | Specialized care approaches | Residential care, Community support |
| Children’s Nursing | BSc in Children’s & General Nursing | Pediatric life support | Children’s hospitals, Community care |
| Midwifery | BSc in Midwifery | Neonatal Resuscitation | Maternity hospitals, Community midwifery |
Latest Registration Process with NMBI in 2025
The National Membership Board Ireland requires registration for all practising nurses who must pay an annual fee of €145. The NMBI registration process varies depending on where you completed your nursing education.
The process for Irish nurses who qualified for their degrees locally requires them to present their documents alongside registration fee payments. The NMBI conducts a complete assessment of overseas nurse qualifications before granting registration but may need additional training or examination requirements for approval.
International nurses need 8-12 weeks to complete the registration process, but this period may vary based on individual situations and application detail verification. International Nurse Recruitment Ireland agencies often provide support throughout this process.
Latest Requirements for International Nurses in 2025
At present, international nurses need to prove their command of the English language using approved international proficiency tests. The acceptable language test results for international nurses include IELTS with 7 points in three parts and 6.5 in one section and OET with B grades in three sections and C+ in one section.
Additionally, international nurses must:
- The international nurse needs to start the NMBI recognition of qualifications application process
- The nurse must fulfil any mandatory aptitude test requirements and adaptation period requirements.
- The nurse must get the necessary work authorisation documents, including permits and visas.
- Meet health and character requirements
Many Irish healthcare organisations assist international nurses throughout these procedures by helping them register and relocate while introducing them to the Irish healthcare system. International nurse recruitment in Ireland has become more streamlined in recent years to address staffing shortages.
Salary and Benefits for Nurses in Ireland
Salary Scales and Pay Grades
The standard salary for nurses in Ireland at present stands at €39,296 annually, but newly graduated RNs earn about €24,850 as their starting salary. Nurses at the HSE can expect a salary scale extending from €35,068 to €52,790, along with supplementary payments for taking shifts.
Salary progression typically depends on:
- Years of experience
- Qualifications and specialisations
- Role and responsibilities
- Dublin tends to offer staff nurses better compensation than other areas in Ireland.
- Public versus private sector employment
Specialised nursing roles and management positions command higher salaries, with Clinical nurse manager positions earning significantly more than staff nurse positions. Nurse salary scales in Ireland undergo periodic review through occupational negotiations with their staff.
Nursing Jobs in Ireland: Benefits and Perks in 2025
Benefits for nursing jobs in Ireland typically include permanent contracts, professional development opportunities, generous leave entitlements, and pension schemes. Employers supply various additional benefits to their nursing staff that improve their working environment.
- Relocation packages of up to €4,710 (HSE) or €5,000 (private hospitals like Beacon)
- Continuing education support and funding
- Health insurance (particularly in private settings)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Employee assistance programs
- Childcare support or subsidies
A combination of various extensive benefits packages improves both compensation packages and work-life balance arrangements available to nurses working in Ireland. Nurse relocation packages offer strong incentives for professionals who want to start working in Ireland.
How to Find Nursing Job Vacancies in Ireland in 2025?
Online Job Portals and Websites
Major job portals like Indeed and Healthcare Jobs. i.e., specialized healthcare recruitment websites list hundreds of nursing job vacancies in Ireland. Through its Job Search portal, the HSE operates an exclusive platform for healthcare employment opportunities.
When using these platforms:
- Nurse candidates should utilise job alerts to receive notifications about particular nursing positions.
- Nurses can philtre positions through three categories including geographical area and nursing specialty plus employment structure.
- The document allows quick job applications by accepting newly updated CV information.
- Research employers before applying
- Check application deadlines and requirements
- The review of employment sites leads to successful candidate selection in Ireland’s active employment market. HSE nursing vacancies are particularly sought after due to their stability and benefits.
Also Read: Learn about all Work Abroad Countries
Recruitment Agencies Specializing in Nursing Jobs Vacancies in Ireland
The recruitment agencies Kate Cowhig International Healthcare Recruitment, Global Nurse Force, and Servisource focus on placing nurses at Irish healthcare facilities. Many offer comprehensive support with registration, relocation, and orientation.
Utilising a professional healthcare staffing agency brings multiple benefits to nurses:
- Private positions through professional networks are accessible to interested candidates
- Guidance through the application and interview process
- Support with registration and documentation
- The organisation offers support for both moving to Ireland and establishing yourself in your new location.
- Ongoing career advice and placement options
The agencies serve international nurses especially well when they face the challenges of working in an unfamiliar country. International Nurse Recruitment Ireland agencies often have specialized knowledge of the registration process.
Direct Applications to Healthcare Facilities
You can submit your application directly to a wide range of hospitals in combination with nursing homes and various healthcare institutions through their web pages. Organisations such as the HSE and Beacon Hospital, together with Evergreen Care and Sonas Nursing Homes, maintain lists of open positions on their website job sections.
Direct applications allow you to:
- Focus your application on healthcare facilities which you find most appealing
- Show understanding of the organisation, followed by genuine professional interest.
- Potentially bypass recruitment agency fees
- You should develop personal connections with the medical facility’s head employees and managers.
- Staff members can access promotion routes inside the organisation after becoming employed.
The study of distinct facility requirements and employment procedures enhances your opportunity to get hired. Job applications for private hospital nursing positions differ from the ones used for public sector healthcare facilities.
Application Process for Nursing Job Vacancies in Ireland
Creating Effective Nursing CVs Together with Applications for Job Positions
Creating a tailored CV highlighting relevant clinical experience, qualifications, and specializations is crucial for securing nursing job vacancies in Ireland. Your application needs to demonstrate the crucial abilities required for the position while presenting all registration documents to NMBI.
The following components must appear in your nursing CV:
- Clear contact information
- Professional registration details
- Relevant qualifications and certifications
- Clinical experience with specific responsibilities
- Specialized skills and competencies
- Continuing professional development
- Professional references
Your job application success rate goes up when you modify each CV to show related work experience alongside the job posting keywords. Specific application formats exist for employment candidates in Irish healthcare organisations.
Interview Tips for Nursing Positions
Nursing interviews use standardised assessments of clinical expertise along with their values toward patient care and organisational cultural fit. Before an interview, candidates need to review typical clinical situations, learn about the primary healthcare organisation, and create answers to professional progress questions.
Effective interview preparation includes:
- A candidate must conduct thorough research about the particular healthcare facility alongside its department structure.
- Reviewing clinical protocols and procedures
- Staff members need to develop specific patient care examples as part of their preparation.
- The candidate should repeat practising their answers to standard nursing interview questions
- As part of interview preparation the candidate should develop specific questions to probe the role functionalities together with organisational structure.
- Planning professional attire and documentation
Virtual interviews have become standard practice in recruitment, especially when international hiring takes place; thus, candidates must practise with the chosen technology beforehand. Irish nursing career opportunities often depend on strong interview performance.
Latest Nursing Jobs in Different Regions of Ireland in 2025
Working as a nurse in Ireland remains available through various employment locations across the country.
Dublin and Greater Dublin Area
Multiple healthcare facilities operate in Dublin, including important hospitals, private clinics, and nursing homes. The capital region pays extensively better than other regions yet it costs more to live in compared to other geographical areas.
Major employers in Dublin include:
- St. James’s Hospital
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
- St. Vincent’s University Hospital
- Beacon Hospital
- Blackrock Clinic
- Numerous nursing homes and community services
Housing expenses in Dublin are substantial, which drives many nurses to live in neighbouring towns since their salaries tend to be higher than those of the rest of Ireland. HSE nursing vacancies in Dublin are particularly competitive.
Cork, Galway, and Other Major Cities
Significant nursing positions exist throughout the major cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford, so nurses can choose to work in public and private healthcare facilities while experiencing lower living costs than in Dublin and earning comparable salaries.
Medical care operates inside autonomous systems that vary from city to city.
- Cork: Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, Bon Secours Hospital
- Galway: University Hospital Galway, Portiuncula University Hospital
- Limerick: University Hospital Limerick, St. John’s Hospital
- Waterford: University Hospital Waterford, UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Each of these areas provides employees with both professional prospects and satisfying environments, as well as access to affordable properties and strong medical infrastructures. Midwifery jobs in Ireland are well-distributed across these regional centres.
| City | Major Employers | Average Salary | Cost of Living Index |
| Dublin | St. James’s Hospital, Mater Hospital, Beacon Hospital | €42,500 | 100 (baseline) |
| Cork | Cork University Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Bon Secours | €39,800 | 85 |
| Galway | University Hospital Galway, Portiuncula Hospital | €38,500 | 82 |
| Limerick | University Hospital Limerick, St. John’s Hospital | €37,900 | 80 |
| Waterford | University Hospital Waterford, UPMC Whitfield | €37,500 | 78 |
Rural and Regional Nursing Opportunities in Ireland 2025
The healthcare environments in rural areas offer distinctive nursing practice opportunities, including affordable home prices, greater local connections, and special rural benefits in some regions. The nursing staffing requirements remain active in both Donegal and Kerry together with Monaghan and Westmeath.
Benefits of rural nursing include:
- Lower cost of living
- Stronger community connections
- Broader clinical experience due to less specialization
- Potential for Rural Practice Incentives
- Better work-life balance
- Shorter commutes
The healthcare industry in rural areas allows nurses to gain professional development through unique clinical scenarios along with an altered lifestyle environment. The Irish community nursing service plays a vital role in medically supporting rural areas with low population density.
Specialisations in High-Demand Nursing Job Vacancies in Ireland
Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
Nursing positions in critical care settings currently represent high-demand roles because hospitals actively recruit staff for ICU, CCU, Emergency Department, and specialised department units. Community nursing roles, as well as specialised roles, provide both higher-than-average salaries and access to improved professional development benefits.
Requirements typically include:
- Specialized postgraduate qualifications
- Advanced life support certifications
- Experience in acute care settings
- Strong technical skills and clinical judgment
- Ability to work under pressure
Medical centres across the country provide education for nurses who aim to work in critical care areas. Registered nurse positions in Ireland in critical care often come with additional allowances.
Elderly Care and Nursing Home Specialists
With Ireland’s ageing population, gerontological nursing specialists are highly sought after in nursing home jobs Ireland and long-term care facilities across the country. Two organisations, Evergreen Care and Sonas, are actively searching for these specialised personnel.
These are the essential skills which elderly care specialists require in their practice:
- Understanding of age-related conditions
- Experience with dementia care
- Medication management expertise
- Palliative and end-of-life care skills
- Strong communication with families
- Person-centred care approach
The rising demand for elderly care specialists in a population that is ageing helps create reliable job prospects across Ireland. Organisations that operate nursing homes typically offer better work-life stability compared to acute care institutions.
Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing Job Vacancies in Ireland
Professionals in mental health nursing in Ireland face strong employment opportunities throughout the nation because hospitals and community healthcare facilities, along with specialised facilities, need to fill their openings. The Health Service Executive specifically identifies psychiatric nursing vacancies throughout multiple healthcare environments.
Mental health nursing requires:
- Specialized qualifications in psychiatric nursing
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Crisis intervention training
- Understanding of various therapeutic approaches
- Knowledge of mental health legislation
The increased focus on mental health generates new opportunities for nursing specialists who want to make substantial contributions in this field. Irish nursing career opportunities in mental health continue to expand with new community-based initiatives.
Career Progression and Development for Nurses in Ireland
Continuing Education and Specialisation
Students seeking further speciality knowledge can access postgraduate diploma programmes that focus on critical care, oncology and cardiac care at educational institutions across Ireland. The Health Service Executive and other employers support employees’ pursuit of specialised education through sponsorship programmes.
Popular specialisation pathways include:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist roles
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner positions
- Specialised postgraduate certificates and diplomas
- Master’s and doctoral programs
- Clinical education and training roles
Through educational programmes, nurses find career enhancement opportunities alongside expertise development in their field of choice. Irish nursing career opportunities expand significantly with additional qualifications.
Leadership and Management Pathways
Career progression into Clinical nurse manager positions and Director of Nursing roles is possible with experience and additional qualifications. The enhanced position responsibilities entitle nurses to receive higher financial compensation.
The typical management progression includes:
- Clinical Nurse Manager 1 (ward/unit level)
- Clinical Nurse Manager 2 (department level)
- Clinical Nurse Manager 3 (divisional level)
- Assistant Director of Nursing
- Director of Nursing
All management roles need clinical skills, leadership abilities, budgeting experience, staff development competencies, organisational abilities, and frequently specific management qualifications. The healthcare sector in Ireland provides managers with dependable job stability opportunities in their professional roles.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Irish Nursing Sector
Current Challenges Facing the Nursing Profession
Nursing practitioners in Ireland encounter three primary difficulties: insufficient staff numbers, work-life integration issues, and tests of adapting to new medical equipment. The awareness of prevalent professional challenges enables future nurses to better understand the realities of nursing work.
Common challenges include:
- The high number of patients per nurse exists in several healthcare settings.
- Increasing administrative responsibilities
- Minimalism in connection to new technologies and systems
- The condition of balancing work with personal obligations becomes more complex for those working shifts
- As international nurses undertake the challenge of adapting to different cultural practices in their new healthcare environment
The challenges of nursing practice do not stop nurses from finding deep satisfaction while also enjoying meaningful support from Ireland’s healthcare service members. Nursing jobs in Ireland continue to evolve to address these challenges.
Future Growth and Opportunities
The healthcare sector in Ireland keeps growing because of enhanced investments made in public facilities and private healthcare centres. Medical system expansion generates continuous job progression paths and professional development options for nurses, along with possibilities to pioneer new ways of delivering nursing services.
Emerging opportunities include:
- Expansion of advanced practice roles
- Growth in specialized community services
- Nurse practitioners will develop healthcare settings that utilise their expertise to deliver services to patients.
- Integration of digital health technologies
- Research and education positions
Nursing in Ireland has become a continuously evolving profession because of recent developments which produce multiple career choices. Irish nursing career opportunities are expected to continue growing through 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Nursing Career in Ireland
Nursing job vacancies in Ireland offer abundant opportunities across various specialities and settings, with competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and clear pathways for career progression. The healthcare system of Ireland welcomes candidates who are newly qualified nurses alongside experienced professionals as well as international nurses to pursue rewarding career opportunities in this country known for its comfortable lifestyle and open culture.
The comprehensive NMBI registration process, while thorough, ensures high standards of care, and many employers provide support throughout this journey. With the healthcare sector continuing to grow and evolve, nursing jobs in Ireland offer not just employment but fulfilling long-term careers with opportunities for specialization, advancement, and personal development.
This guide from VisaBabu provides all the necessary information about nursing job vacancies in Ireland that will help you successfully find your ideal position in this dynamic healthcare system.
FAQs About Nursing Job Vacancies in Ireland
What level of income can regular nurses expect during their employment in Ireland?
The average salary of registered nurses in Ireland stands at €39,296 after new graduates start at €24,850 per year, and nurses with expert qualifications receive €52,790 annually with additional shift differential payments.
The process for foreign nurses to obtain registration in Ireland usually extends from eight weeks up to twelve weeks.
The NMBI registration process for international nurses typically takes 8-12 weeks, though this can vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of application materials.
Ireland currently faces a shortage of nursing personnel in which specific areas?
The nursing shortage in Ireland presents employment possibilities in neonatal care, midwifery services, psychiatric care, emergency department work, and oncology divisions to new applicants.
Do international nurses need to satisfy English language standards in order to practice in Ireland?
To practice within the scope of international nursing, international nurses must take either IELTS with 7 minimum scores in three sections and 6.5 minimum scores in one section or OET with minimum B grades in three sections and C+ grades in one section.
Can nurses transfer between different healthcare settings in Ireland?
International nurses maintain the ability to practise at different healthcare facilities in Ireland.
Every nurse who practises in Ireland has the capability to transition between hospital work and community services and nursing homes regardless of specific specialist positions that may require additional training and certification. Several nurses advance their professional careers by working in numerous healthcare settings.
