Emma O'Donnell
Buncrana
Summary
Registered Nurse with a broad and progressive clinical background encompassing health visiting, intensive care nursing, and surgical ward practice. Brings advanced skills in comprehensive patient assessment, clinical decision-making, health promotion, safeguarding, and management of acute conditions across the lifespan. Experienced in delivering family-centred, evidence-based care in both community and acute settings, with a strong ability to integrate preventative health, patient education, and continuity of care within primary care and general practice environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Specialist Community Public Health Nurse
Western Health and Social Care Trust
09.2018 - Current
- Currently managing a diverse caseload of families, providing expert advice on antenatal care, child development, nutrition, and family health.
- Conducting developmental assessments and identifying early interventions for vulnerable children and families.
- Provide immunisation advice, screening information, and health education in line with national guidelines. Facilitating vaccine clinics from birth to school age within GP practice
- Liaising with GPs, social care and the wider MDT to ensure integrated safeguarding and primary care delivery.
- Advocating for vulnerable populations, including refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.
- Facilitate community groups to support families public health needs eg; mental health, weaning, breast feeding.
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals (e.g. Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy) to coordinate care plans, whilst maintaining accurate clinical documentation and adhering to data protection and confidentiality standards.
Community Infant Feeding Lead
Western Health and Social Care Trust
03.2023 - 10.2023
- Acted as clinical lead for breastfeeding and infant nutrition initiatives whilst guiding the team to Gold UNICEF accreditation.
- Provided support for complex feeding issues as Lactation Consultant.
- Facilitated staff training and workshops within the team, the wider MDT and service users to improve local breastfeeding rates and UNICEF baby friendly standards.
- Developed processes for implementing evidence based practice/service need, auditing and evaluating the service.
- Promoted good working relationships and dealt with complaints and conflict when required.
Staff Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Western Health and Social Care Trust
01.2012 - 09.2018
- Completed patient assessments, triaged and recorded patient histories, symptoms and observations.
- Monitored and evaluated patient vital signs and sent and reviewed laboratory data to assess needs and provide emergency interventions to stabilise conditions.
- Actively participated in daily multidisciplinary rounds ensuring timely communication between healthcare providers e.g. Specialised Medicine, Dietitians, Tissue Viability Nurses, Physiotherapy and Speech & Language.
- Performed wound care management such as dressing changes, debridement of necrotic tissue and removal of surgical sutures.
- Administer prescribed medications, monitor effect and observed patient reaction.
- Implemented infection control measures to prevent the spread of infections within the ICU.
- Developed and maintained professional relationships with members of the health care team, patient and patient's family.
- Educated patients and families on health management and recovery plans.
- Documented patient progress accurately in electronic health record systems according to NMC Code of Conduct.
Staff Nurse Surgical Ward
Western Health and Social Care Trust
09.2011 - 01.2012
- Delivered high-quality, patient-centred nursing care to pre- and post-operative surgical patients.
- Conducted comprehensive nursing assessments, including pain assessment, wound assessment, and monitoring of vital signs.
- Managed post-operative care, including observation for complications, fluid balance, and early recognition of patient deterioration.
- Administered medications safely in accordance with prescriptions, hospital policies, and medication management guidelines.
- Provided wound care, dressing changes, and infection prevention in line with aseptic techniques.
- Supported patients with mobility, hygiene, nutrition, and elimination, promoting recovery and independence.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care, pain management, wound care, and discharge planning.
- Collaborated effectively with surgeons, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, and multidisciplinary team members.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation and adhered to patient confidentiality and governance standards.
- Responded appropriately to emergencies, including escalation of care using early warning scores.
- Ensured compliance with infection control, health and safety, and safeguarding policies.
- Participated in handovers, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
Education
Advanced Reflexology Level 5 - Advanced Reflexology
Shelia Nugent School of Reflexology
Cookstown, Northern Ireland 01-2024
International Board of Lactation Consultants
03-2023
ITEC Accredited Level 5 (UK Level 3) Diploma in Reflexology Treatments - Reflexology
Pyramid Holistic Centre
Ireland 03-2022
Bachelor of Science - Specialized Community Public Health Nurse
University of Ulster
Jordanstown 09-2019
Bachelor of Science - Adult Nursing
University of Ulster
Magee Campus 09-2011
Skills
- Immunisation administration
- Patient assessment
- Care plan coordination
- Family health education
- Public health advocacy
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Effective communication
- Evidence-based practice
- Excellent clinical documentation
- Interested in further training for chronic disease management
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Community Infant Feeding Lead
Western Health and Social Care Trust
03.2023 - 10.2023
Specialist Community Public Health Nurse
Western Health and Social Care Trust
09.2018 - Current
Staff Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Western Health and Social Care Trust
01.2012 - 09.2018
Staff Nurse Surgical Ward
Western Health and Social Care Trust
09.2011 - 01.2012
Advanced Reflexology Level 5 - Advanced Reflexology
Shelia Nugent School of Reflexology
International Board of Lactation Consultants
ITEC Accredited Level 5 (UK Level 3) Diploma in Reflexology Treatments - Reflexology
Pyramid Holistic Centre
Bachelor of Science - Specialized Community Public Health Nurse
University of Ulster
Bachelor of Science - Adult Nursing
University of Ulster