Work as a nurse in Ireland

A nurse in Ireland can work in both the private and the public sector. Of course the requirements and demands are different for both. We can help you find a job in all the following areas: nursing homes, private clinics, private hospitals and with the HSE public hospitals all over Ireland. We will accompany you throughout the process, starting with your interview to helping you find accommodation for living in Ireland.

All of this is provided free of charge.

Unfortunately, due to the crisis, the number of nurses from all over the world looking for a job, being Ireland one of the most considered destinations, has increased considerably. However, the demand for nurses is still very high which means the chances for finding a job are still also very high.

Jobs Agency FM is involved with candidates in finding the job that best suits your needs, but always taking into account the language and experience requirements.

Your goals should be realistic. Dublin is the most sought after city when for looking for a job and in turn, only the most qualified are hired. The requirements of language and experience are higher.

The essential requirements for every nurse to apply for a job in Ireland are:

• Nursing college degree.
• From 2 April, 2018, a new English level will be required with IELTS/OET certificates and other evidences (see requirements here).
• Having your Nursing registration from Spain.
• Not being suspended or disbarred for malpractice.
• Having your PIN from the NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland).

A newly graduated nurse has real chances to work in a public hospital in Ireland.

If you have some postgraduate experience it is valued positively but is not determinant. There are some hospitals looking for newly graduated nurses and others that only recruit experienced international nurses. Jobs Agency FM have contacts with hospitals and nursing homes that are interested in interviewing newly graduated nurses, as long as their level of English is the ideal.

A nurse can work in Ireland in both, the private and the public sector. The requirements and demands are not the same for both sectors.  Send us your resumé and we will study other options for you.

It is important you be aware that private hospitals require a specific profile of nurses with experience and a good English level, because of the type of patient they treat. They are patients that pay for private services and therefore their expectations and demands are usually higher.

Jobs Agency FM will help you find the job that best suits your situation, whether you have postgraduate experience or you are a newly grad nurse, and it is all for free.

As the majority of Spanish nurses want to work in the public sector, otherwise known as the HSE, we have put together a list of advantages and disadvantages for you to consider. We would also like to highlight that working in a private hospital in the UK or Ireland has a huge number of advantages as well.

Advantages of working in the HSE

• Due to high demand for nurses, it is easy to find a job.
• Time worked abroad in the public sector is evaluated in Spain when you apply for a job in the public health system.
• Salaries are higher than in Spain and very similar to UK.
• The work is very varied and you can learn a lot.
• There is a real possibility for continuous development. In Ireland, employees are required to continue receiving training and attend courses. You will be continually offered these courses and you also have the right to request them.
• Opportunities for promotion and change of band with the corresponding salary increase.
• Stable job: once the evaluation period is finished, the contracts are usually permanents.
• HSE Pension Plan (One of the best in the country).

Disadvantages

• Salaries are much lower with the HSE than private hospitals in general and the workload is higher.
• Your level of English must correspond to your role and the amount of responsibility.
• The pace of work can be much higher than expected and sometimes hospitals are short staffed which means that your work load will get higher.
• Family members and can file official complaints if they are not happy with the service received

Working in private hospitals in Ireland is on the Top Ten list of aspirations for a nurse. You will probably be working hand in hand with the top surgeons in the country and with the most highly qualified doctors. The salaries are higher than you can expect to receive anywhere in Ireland and the working environment is absolutely fantastic.

Jobs Agency FM recommends this type of work for nurses who already have a high level of English, experience working in a hospital and/or are tired of working in the public sector or simply need a change form public to private area.

Of course, patients who pay for private insurance also require a higher level of attention and care than patients in the public sector. Besides, there are commodities and types of care available that one can rarely receive from the HSE. One has to be very kind, pleasant, polite and handle patients with a lot of empathy. Excellent bed side manners are required. One must be able to connect with all kinds of patients but at the same time be able to keep a distance. Most nurses who choose to work in the private sector are those who meet the following criteria:

• They usually have several years of experience working in nursing homes, in the HSE or in private clinics.
• Earning points required for the Spanish public health services is not their priority.
• They prefer giving each and every patient the time they feel is necessary, with no hurry or pressure.

Advantages of working in a private hospital

• The salary is much higher than in any HSE hospital.
• The nurse to patient ratio is much lower.
• The work load is lower.
• The pace of work and work related stress is also lower.

Disadvantages

• The amount of training and opportunities for continuous development is not as high as in the HSE.
• Time worked in private hospitals translates into less points for jobs in public health services.
• Every autonomous community works this out differently, for this reason we advise asking the communities directly for this information. Overall hours worked do count, but always less than time worked in the HSE.