Sofia Zacharia
Balbriggan
Summary
Dedicated Nursing Professional skilled in patient assessment, individualized care plan development, and pain management. Foster effective communication and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient recovery outcomes. Committed to providing compassionate support for patients recovering from injuries and surgeries.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Rehabilitation Nurse
Clontarf Hospital
Dublin
04.2023 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive neurological assessments, including cognition, mobility, sensory function, swallowing, and communication.
- Monitored and manage patients with conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and neuromuscular disorders.
- Supported patients with impaired mobility, coordination, or cognitive deficits through structured rehabilitation plans.
- Provided tracheostomy care, PEG feeding, seizure management, and complex medication administration.
- Collaborate closely with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech & language therapists, and neuropsychologist to optimise functional recovery.
- Educated patients and families on neurological conditions, rehabilitation goals, safety strategies, and long-term management to enhance understanding and adherence.
- Promoted neuroplasticity through repetitive, goal‑directed, evidence‑based interventions.
- Assist with behavioural management strategies for patients with cognitive or emotional changes following neurological injury.
- Monitor for complications such as aspiration, pressure injuries, autonomic dysreflexia, spasticity, and contractures.
- Provide specialised care for patients recovering from fractures, joint replacements, spinal surgeries, and musculoskeletal trauma.
- Perform ongoing assessments of pain, mobility, wound healing, circulation, and neurovascular status.
- Supports early mobilisation and safe ambulation using appropriate aids (crutches, frames, wheelchairs).
- Implement post‑operative protocols including wound care, drain management, and monitoring for infection or DVT.
- Administer analgesia and evaluate pain control to support participation in therapy.
- Educate patients on weight‑bearing status, joint precautions, fall prevention, and home‑based rehabilitation exercises.
- Coordinate with physiotherapists to reinforce mobility, strengthening, and functional independence goals.
- Assists with discharge planning, ensuring safe transition home or to community services.
- Develops, implements, and evaluate individualised care plans based on physical, psychological, and social needs.
- Promoted independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) including dressing, grooming, feeding, and toileting to improve quality of life.
- Supported patients in setting realistic rehabilitation goals and tracked progress to ensure achievement and motivation.
- Maintain accurate documentation and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.
- Ensure patient safety through falls prevention strategies, pressure injury prevention, and infection control practices.
- Offer emotional support and motivation to patients adjusting to disability or long‑term recovery.
- One of the largest rehabilitation hospitals in Ireland with 140 bed capacity
Bank Staff Nurse
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Dublin
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Provided high‑quality nursing care across medical, surgical, orthopaedic, rehabilitation, and ICU step‑down units depending on staffing needs.
- Adapted to diverse ward routines, patient populations, and clinical priorities to ensure seamless care delivery.
- Performed full nursing assessments including vital signs, pain scoring, neurological checks, respiratory assessment, and fluid balance monitoring.
- Identified deterioration early and escalate concerns using clinical judgement and hospital escalation pathways.
- Monitored post‑operative patients for complications such as bleeding, infection, respiratory distress, or DVT.
- Safely administered medications including oral, IV, subcutaneous, IM, insulin, anticoagulants, and controlled drugs.
- Performed venepuncture, cannulation, ECGs, wound care, catheter care, NG/PEG feeding, and tracheostomy care based on ward needs.
- Managed IV infusions, syringe pumps, and blood transfusion monitoring.
- Worked closely with doctors, physiotherapists, OTs, dietitians, pharmacists, and allied health teams to support patient care plans.
- Participated in ward handovers, MDT discussions, and discharge planning.
- Followed strict infection‑control protocols including PPE use, isolation procedures, and hand hygiene.
- Implemented falls‑prevention strategies, pressure‑injury prevention, and safe‑manual‑handling practices.
- Maintained a safe environment for patients with varying levels of mobility and cognitive ability.
- Communicated clearly with permanent staff, ensuring continuity of care during shift changes.
- Reported incidents, near misses, and clinical concerns according to hospital policy.
- Provided compassionate, respectful care to patients of all ages and conditions.
- Educated patients and families on treatment plans, procedures, and discharge instructions.
- Demonstrated strong time‑management skills in fast‑paced, unpredictable environments.
- Maintained professional boundaries and uphold hospital standards at all times.
- Engaged in continuous learning to remain competent across diverse clinical areas.
- Supported operations at Level 4 teaching hospital by delivering frontline and specialist services to enhance patient outcomes.
Assistant Director Of Nursing
Hamilton Park care Facility
Co. Dublin
09.2021 - 12.2022
- Provide clinical leadership and supervision to nursing staff, HCAs, and multidisciplinary teams across a large aged‑care and rehabilitation service.
- Ensure delivery of safe, evidence‑based, person‑centred care for residents aged 18–65 and 65+.
- Conducted regular clinical audits, quality checks, and risk assessments to uphold high standards of care and enhance resident safety.
- Oversee complex clinical cases including dementia, acquired brain injury, tracheostomy care, PEG feeding, post‑operative rehab, and chronic disease management.
- Support clinical decision‑making and provide expert guidance to staff during emergencies or deteriorating patient situations.
- Managed daily staffing levels, skill mix, and allocation of duties to ensure optimal care delivery across multiple units.
- Lead, mentor, and support CNMs, RNs, and HCAs to ensure consistent, high‑quality care delivery.
- Conduct performance reviews, competency assessments, and staff development plans.
- Facilitate orientation, induction, and ongoing training for new and existing staff.
- Promote a positive, collaborative workplace culture with open communication and teamwork.
- Oversee day‑to‑day operations of a 135‑bed facility, ensuring smooth functioning of all clinical areas.
- Participate in strategic planning, service development, and implementation of new care initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (HIQA or equivalent), internal policies, and accreditation requirements.
- Manage rosters, leave planning, and workforce scheduling to maintain safe staffing levels.
- Prepare reports, incident reviews, and documentation for senior management and regulatory bodies.
- Lead quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing resident outcomes and service efficiency.
- Implement and monitor infection‑control measures, falls‑prevention strategies, and pressure‑injury prevention programs.
- Investigate incidents, complaints, and near misses, ensuring corrective actions and learning outcomes are implemented.
- Ensure safe medication management practices, including audits, training, and compliance monitoring.
- Oversaw care planning, assessment, and evaluation processes for long‑term, dementia, ABI, and rehabilitation residents to ensure comprehensive and individualized care.
- Support rehabilitation programs by coordinating with physiotherapists, OTs, SLTs, psychologists, and GPs.
- Advocate for residents’ rights, dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing.
- Provide senior clinical support during emergencies, deteriorating patient situations, and complex care needs.
- Ensure staff follow escalation pathways, clinical guidelines, and emergency protocols.
- Coordinated with external healthcare providers, hospitals, and emergency services.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning, reflection, and professional development.
- Stay updated with best practices, clinical guidelines, and aged‑care standards.
Clinical Nurse Manager 2
Hamilton Park care Facility
Co. Dublin
08.2019 - 09.2021
- Provide clinical leadership and supervision to nursing staff, HCAs, and multidisciplinary teams across a large aged‑care and rehabilitation service.
- Ensure delivery of safe, evidence‑based, person‑centred care for residents aged 18–65 and 65+.
- Conduct regular clinical audits, quality checks, and risk assessments to maintain high standards of care.
- Oversee complex clinical cases including dementia, acquired brain injury, tracheostomy care, PEG feeding, post‑operative rehab, and chronic disease management.
- Support clinical decision‑making and provide expert guidance to staff during emergencies or deteriorating patient situations.
- Lead, mentor, and support CNMs, RNs, and HCAs to ensure consistent, high‑quality care delivery.
- Conduct performance reviews, competency assessments, and staff development plans.
- Oversee day‑to‑day operations of a 135‑bed facility, ensuring smooth functioning of all clinical areas.
- Participate in strategic planning, service development, and implementation of new care initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (HIQA or equivalent), internal policies, and accreditation requirements.
- Manage rosters, leave planning, and workforce scheduling to maintain safe staffing levels.
- Prepared comprehensive reports and incident reviews for senior management and regulatory bodies, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Led quality improvement projects that enhanced resident outcomes and improved service delivery.
- Implement and monitor infection‑control measures, falls‑prevention strategies, and pressure‑injury prevention programs.
- Investigate incidents, complaints, and near misses, ensuring corrective actions and learning outcomes are implemented.
- Ensure safe medication management practices, including audits, training, and compliance monitoring.
- Oversee care planning, assessment, and evaluation for long‑term, dementia, ABI, and rehabilitation residents.
- Support rehabilitation programs by coordinating with physiotherapists, OTs, SLTs, psychologists, and GPs.
- Ensure residents receive holistic care addressing physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.
- Facilitate family meetings, care conferences, and communication regarding resident progress and care plans.
- Advocate for residents’ rights, dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing.
- Provide senior clinical support during emergencies, deteriorating patient situations, and complex care needs.
- Ensure staff follow escalation pathways, clinical guidelines, and emergency protocols.
- Coordinate with external healthcare providers, hospitals, and emergency services when required.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning, reflection, and professional development.
- Stay updated with best practices, clinical guidelines, and aged‑care standards.
- Support organisational goals, strategic priorities, and service excellence initiatives.
- 135 bedded care facility provides extended long-term and rehabilitation care
Clinical Nurse Manager
Hamilton Park care Facility
Co. Dublin
06.2018 - 08.2019
- Provide clinical leadership and supervision to nursing staff, HCAs, and multidisciplinary teams across a large aged‑care and rehabilitation service.
- Ensure delivery of safe, evidence‑based, person‑centred care for residents aged 18–65 and 65+.
- Conducted clinical audits, quality checks, and risk assessments, ensuring high standards of care were maintained.
- Oversee complex clinical cases including dementia, acquired brain injury, tracheostomy care, PEG feeding, post‑operative rehab, and chronic disease management.
- Support clinical decision‑making and provide expert guidance to staff during emergencies or deteriorating patient situations.
- Managed staffing levels, skill mix, and duty allocations across multiple units to optimize care delivery.
- Lead, mentor, and support RNs, and HCAs to ensure consistent, high‑quality care delivery.
- Conduct performance reviews, competency assessments, and staff development plans.
- Participate in strategic planning, service development, and implementation of new care initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (HIQA or equivalent), internal policies, and accreditation requirements.
- Manage rosters, leave planning, and workforce scheduling to maintain safe staffing levels.
- Prepare reports, incident reviews, and documentation for senior management and regulatory bodies.
- Led quality improvement projects that enhanced resident outcomes and streamlined service efficiency.
- Implement and monitor infection‑control measures, falls‑prevention strategies, and pressure‑injury prevention programs.
- Investigate incidents, complaints, and near misses, ensuring corrective actions and learning outcomes are implemented.
- Ensure safe medication management practices, including audits, training, and compliance monitoring.
- Oversee care planning, assessment, and evaluation for long‑term, dementia, ABI, and rehabilitation residents.
- Support rehabilitation programs by coordinating with physiotherapists, OTs, SLTs, psychologists, and GPs.
- Ensure residents receive holistic care addressing physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.
- Facilitate family meetings, care conferences, and communication regarding resident progress and care plans.
- Advocate for residents’ rights, dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing.
- Provide senior clinical support during emergencies, deteriorating patient situations, and complex care needs.
- Ensure staff follow escalation pathways, clinical guidelines, and emergency protocols.
- Coordinate with external healthcare providers, hospitals, and emergency services when required.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning, reflection, and professional development.
- Support organisational goals, strategic priorities, and service excellence initiatives.
Staff Nurse
Hamilton Park care Facility
Co. Dublin
10.2014 - 06.2018
- Conduct holistic nursing assessments covering physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs.
- Develop, implement, and regularly review individualized care plans for long‑term and rehabilitation residents.
- Monitored chronic conditions including dementia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and mobility impairments to ensure timely interventions.
- Identify changes in health status early and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Administer medications safely, including oral, subcutaneous, PEG, and parenteral medications.
- Perform wound care, pressure injury prevention, catheter care, tracheostomy care, and PEG feeding.
- Monitor vital signs, BSL, pain levels, hydration, and nutritional status.
- Manage complex care needs for residents recovering from surgery, stroke, fractures, or long‑term disability.
- Assist residents (18–65 and 65+) with rehabilitation goals such as mobility, ADLs, cognitive recovery, and independence.
- Support physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy programs by reinforcing exercises and functional tasks.
- Encourage safe mobilisation using appropriate aids (frames, hoists, wheelchairs).
- Promote independence while ensuring safety and dignity.
- Provide compassionate, respectful care tailored to each resident’s preferences, culture, and abilities.
- Support residents with dementia, ABI, chronic illness, or age‑related decline.
- Build therapeutic relationships with residents and families.
- Communicate regularly with families regarding progress, care plans, and changes in condition.
- Provide education on long‑term conditions, rehabilitation expectations, and discharge planning.
- Support families emotionally during transitions such as palliative or end‑of‑life care.
- Work closely with physiotherapists, OTs, SLTs, GPs, social workers, and psychologists.
- Participate in MDT meetings to review goals and progress.
- Coordinate referrals and ensure continuity of care.
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in line with facility and regulatory standards.
- Ensured compliance with HIQA (Ireland) standards.
- Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and incident reporting.
- Implemented falls-prevention strategies, pressure-injury prevention, and safe-manual-handling practices to enhance resident safety.
- Follow infection‑control protocols including PPE use, isolation procedures, and outbreak management.
- Ensure safe environment for residents with cognitive impairment or behavioural challenges.
- Managed responsive behaviours using de-escalation techniques and person-centred approaches to maintain a therapeutic environment.
- Mentor HCAs and junior nurses, promoting a culture of learning.
- Support orientation of new staff and students.
- Participate in ongoing training to maintain clinical competence.
- 135 bedded care facility provides extended long-term and rehabilitation care
Paediatric Nurse
Holy cross Hospital
Kerala
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Administered medications and treatments to pediatric patients per physician orders.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patient conditions in the pediatric unit.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Maintained strict safety protocols by meticulously verifying medication dosages prior to administration.
- Implemented strategies to reduce patient anxiety and fear, utilizing age-appropriate communication and interventions.
- Advocated for the rights and needs of pediatric patients, ensuring a child-friendly healthcare environment.
- Provided comprehensive patient care in a multispecialty hospital, ensuring high standards of safety and comfort.
- Engaged in community pediatric health promotion and disease prevention initiatives, enhancing public awareness and access to healthcare resources.
Paediatric Nurse
MIMS Hospital
Kerala
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Administered medications and treatments to pediatric patients per physician orders.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed pediatric patient conditions to ensure timely interventions.
- Assisted in pediatric emergency situations, delivering critical care support to stabilize patients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop care plans for children.
- Utilized age-specific teaching techniques when educating patients and families on self-care strategies.
- Trained new nursing staff on pediatric protocols and hospital procedures to enhance team readiness.
Medical ward/ICU Nurse
St. Martin de Pores hospital
Kerala
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Provided direct patient care in high-acuity settings.
- Monitored vital signs and recognized changes in patient conditions.
- Assisted in emergency procedures and life-saving interventions, ensuring timely and effective care for critically ill patients.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management.
- Trained new nursing staff on ICU protocols and best practices.
- Participated in development, implementation, and evaluation of action plans for continuous performance improvement, contributing to enhanced care delivery and patient safety.
Education
Bachelor of Nursing - Kerala, India
Canossa College of Nursing
Kerala, India01-2010
Skills
- Neurological assessments
- Rehab planning
- Traumatic brain injury care
- Medication administration
- Acute care management
- Infection control
- Care coordination
- Patient education
- Quality improvement
- Team supervision
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Decision-making
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability
- Compassionate and caring
- Behavioral management
Immigration And Visa Status
190 (Queensland) visa under processing - visa lodged, Irish Citizen , Indian born
References
- Ms. Shaiji Paul, Clinical Nurse Manager 1, Clontarf Hospital, shpaul@ioh.ie
- Mr. Bibin Sebastain, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, Clontarf Hospital
Courses Training Attended
- Manual Handling Certified
- CPR
- Venepuncture and Cannulation
- Infection Control Training
- PEG Training
- CPI Safety Foundation Training (Management of Actual and Potential Aggression/Challenging Behaviour)
- Fire Training
- Tracheostomy Care
- Haemovigilance
- Wound Care
Registration
AHPRA REGISTRATION:NMW0002756476
NMBI,IRELAND:140715
Timeline
Rehabilitation Nurse
Clontarf Hospital
04.2023 - Current
Bank Staff Nurse
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
01.2023 - 03.2023
Assistant Director Of Nursing
Hamilton Park care Facility
09.2021 - 12.2022
Clinical Nurse Manager 2
Hamilton Park care Facility
08.2019 - 09.2021
Clinical Nurse Manager
Hamilton Park care Facility
06.2018 - 08.2019
Staff Nurse
Hamilton Park care Facility
10.2014 - 06.2018
Paediatric Nurse
Holy cross Hospital
01.2013 - 01.2014
Paediatric Nurse
MIMS Hospital
01.2012 - 01.2013
Medical ward/ICU Nurse
St. Martin de Pores hospital
01.2010 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Nursing - Kerala, India
Canossa College of Nursing