Clinical Nurse Manager II – Preoperative Assessment

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Clinical Nurse Manager II (CNM II) – Preoperative Assessment to lead the delivery and ongoing development of a busy Preoperative Assessment Service. This leadership role combines advanced clinical practice with operational management to ensure patients receive comprehensive assessment and preparation prior to surgery.

Working closely with consultants, anaesthetists, surgical teams, day surgery services, and outpatient departments, the successful candidate will coordinate patient pathways, optimise surgical readiness, and support the safe and efficient delivery of perioperative care.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical & Professional Leadership

• Provide strong clinical and operational leadership within the Preoperative Assessment Clinic.
• Lead the planning, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of high-quality, evidence-based nursing care.
• Manage patient caseloads while ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centred service delivery.
• Maintain professional nursing practice in accordance with NMBI standards, national guidelines, and organisational policies.
• Foster a culture of clinical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Preoperative Assessment & Patient Care

• Undertake comprehensive preoperative nursing assessments, including medical history, clinical screening, and risk assessment.
• Arrange and review required preoperative investigations such as blood tests, ECGs, imaging, and other diagnostic tests in line with clinical protocols.
• Identify potential risks, interpret assessment findings, and escalate concerns to the appropriate clinical teams.
• Demonstrate sound clinical judgement regarding patient readiness for surgery.
• Collaborate with GPs, surgeons, anaesthetists, and multidisciplinary colleagues to optimise patients before admission.
• Provide patients with education, advice, and support throughout the preoperative process.
• Coordinate referrals and discharge planning where appropriate while ensuring continuity of care.
• Promote dignity, respect, and patient-centred care at every stage of the patient journey.

Collaboration & Quality Improvement

• Build effective working relationships across surgical, anaesthetic, outpatient, and day surgery services.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, clinical discussions, and service planning activities.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in line with professional standards.
• Support the development and implementation of clinical policies, assessment pathways, and referral protocols.
• Monitor service performance through clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and key performance indicators.
• Participate in research activities and contribute to the implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Promote health education initiatives relevant to the patient population.

Education & Professional Development

• Promote a positive learning culture that supports professional growth and clinical excellence.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and support to nursing colleagues and junior staff.
• Encourage participation in continuing professional development, postgraduate education, and specialist training.
• Collaborate with education teams to develop competency-based learning programmes.
• Integrate current research and national best practice guidance into everyday clinical practice.
• Support workforce development and succession planning within the department.

Essential Requirements

Qualifications & Registration

• Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), or eligibility for registration.
• Minimum of five years' post-registration nursing experience, including at least two years in Preoperative Assessment, Theatre, Anaesthetics, Surgical Services, or Day Surgery.
• Demonstrated leadership, clinical, organisational, and administrative capabilities.
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• A recognised management qualification, or willingness to undertake one.
• A postgraduate qualification in Perioperative Care is desirable.

Experience & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of preoperative assessment processes and patient optimisation.
• Knowledge of risk management, clinical governance, quality improvement, and audit.
• Experience leading service improvements and supporting organisational change.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and electronic clinical information systems.
• Ability to apply evidence-based practice within a multidisciplinary environment.

Key Skills & Competencies

Leadership & Management

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop nursing teams.
• Strong organisational and resource management skills.
• Ability to drive service improvements and manage change effectively.
• Understanding of workforce management, governance, and quality assurance processes.

Clinical Practice

• Advanced clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, patient-centred care.
• Ability to lead quality improvement initiatives and implement evidence-based practice.

Communication & Relationship Building

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.
• Ability to establish strong working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
• Professional, resilient, and solution-focused approach to leadership.

Organisation & Time Management

• Excellent prioritisation and workload management skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple clinical priorities within a busy healthcare environment.

Adaptability & Innovation

• Flexible approach to changing service demands.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities to improve patient pathways, service efficiency, and clinical outcomes.
• Committed to continuous improvement and innovation in perioperative services.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Sign-on bonus (where applicable).
• Full-time, permanent position.
• Ongoing professional development and leadership training opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Career progression opportunities.
• Free on-site parking.

Interested?

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity or discuss your suitability for the role, please contact Sonal Tikariha for further details. We look forward to hearing from you.