In our previous blog post, we discussed the decision to move to Ireland and what one can expect from this transition. Naturally, everyone has their own reasons for relocating. However, one trend is clear—there has been a significant rise in people from around the world choosing Ireland to pursue a career in nursing within the Irish healthcare system.
Because healthcare systems differ from country to country, we have compiled key information to answer common questions. That said, if you require further clarification, our team is always happy to assist—please feel free to contact us directly.
Public and Private Healthcare in Ireland
In Ireland, healthcare is divided into public and private sectors.
The public healthcare system operates under the Health Service Executive (HSE). In many cases, nurses begin their careers in Ireland through agency roles, where recruitment agencies—such as Hollilander Recruitment—place them within HSE facilities.
In addition, Ireland has several private hospitals operating nationwide. While these hospitals provide many of the same services as public hospitals, certain departments—such as Accident & Emergency—often function through referrals and appointments.
Nursing Roles Available in Ireland
To maintain an organised and efficient healthcare structure, Ireland offers a wide range of nursing roles. As a result, there is consistent demand for qualified professionals.
Common roles include:
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Staff Nurse
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Inpatient Nurse
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Theatre Nurse
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Healthcare Assistant (HCA)
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Medical and Surgical Nurse
These positions exist across hospitals, care facilities, and community settings throughout the country.
Healthcare Settings Across Ireland
Healthcare services in Ireland operate across various settings. For example, hospitals are divided into public and private institutions. Most public hospitals treat a wide range of conditions, while some specialise in specific areas of care.
Similarly, private hospitals often provide comparable services, although their operational structures may differ slightly.
Beyond hospitals, Ireland also offers:
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Day care clinics
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Urgent care centres
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Specialist facilities (eye, ear, hospice care)
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Rehabilitation centres
Geriatric and Dementia Care
Ireland’s population is ageing rapidly. Consequently, the healthcare system relies heavily on geriatric and dementia care. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities play a crucial role in supporting this growing demand, which creates ongoing opportunities for nurses and healthcare assistants nationwide.
Community Nursing in Ireland
In addition to hospital-based roles, Ireland places strong emphasis on community nursing. In this setting, nurses provide care directly in patients’ homes.
This may include:
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Medication monitoring
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Diabetes management
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Wound care
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Assistance with daily living and household tasks
As a result, community nurses deliver personalised care while supporting patients’ independence.
Training and Professional Development
Nurses working in Ireland rank among the best trained in the industry. Many employers actively invest in staff development and provide structured training plans from the beginning of employment.
Furthermore, the HSE offers free online training through HSeLanD, the national learning and development platform. Nurses can complete these courses either before travelling to Ireland or as part of their pre-employment process.
What Is HSeLanD?
The HSE National HR Capability and Culture function developed and maintains HSeLanD. This fully integrated learning system supports healthcare professionals across Ireland by delivering high-quality online education and training.
Because this service is free, we strongly recommend exploring the courses available to enhance your skills and preparedness.
How Hollilander Recruitment Supports You
At Hollilander Recruitment, we support every nurse and healthcare professional considering a move to Ireland. From initial enquiries to successful placement, we provide guidance at every stage of the process.
We proudly place qualified nurses and healthcare professionals into established healthcare facilities across Ireland—always with care, transparency, and professionalism.
📧 For more information, contact us at:
contact@hollilander.com
