About Sonya

A Nurse Who Truly Understands
Your Career Journey

30 years of nursing experience. Dedicated to helping you see what's possible and build a career that works for your life.

Sonya Carr, nurse career coach based in Drogheda, Co. Louth
30+ Years in Nursing
My Story

I'm Sonya Carr

I'm a Registered General Nurse with over 30 years of experience across acute hospitals, non-acute settings, care of older persons, and nursing education. I've worked as a Staff Nurse, Clinical Nurse Manager 1, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, and Clinical Placement Coordinator, and as Assistant Director of Nursing/Nurse Practice Development. I have also worked for a non-profit organisation within the charity sector.

I also spent a number of years in further education, teaching pre-university nursing students, healthcare students at QQI Level 5 and 6, and internationally educated nurses. Through every role, I developed a deep understanding of what it means to build a nursing career that lasts.

Today, I combine that real-world experience with professionally recognised coaching qualifications to help nurses like you explore your options, get clear on your direction, and create a career that brings both meaning and fulfilment.

My Career Journey

A Career Built on Curiosity and Courage

My nursing career began with one goal: to make a difference. Over three decades, that goal evolved through different roles, settings, and specialties into a deep understanding of what it means to build a career that truly lasts.

Outside coaching and nursing, I'm married to my wonderful husband Neil, and mother to three fabulous teenage boys (who keep me very, very busy) and a much-loved dog. Home life, work life, ambition, family: I've walked that road and still do. I know how challenging it all can be, and how worthwhile too.

Staff Nurse

Acute hospital and non-acute settings across Ireland

Clinical Nurse Manager 1

Acute hospital settings

Clinical Nurse Manager 2

Acute hospital settings

Clinical Placement Coordinator

Student nurses and internationally educated nurses

Assistant Director of Nursing / Nurse Practice Development

Strategic nursing leadership and practice improvement

Nurse Educator & Further Education Lecturer

Pre-nursing, Healthcare Assistant, QQI Level 5 & 6 programmes

Cancer Awareness Coordinator/Nurse

Education, awareness and campaigns in the charity sector

Nurse Career Coach

Helping nurses across Ireland explore, decide, and grow

Qualifications & Credentials

MSc in Applied Healthcare Management

BSc in Nursing

Diploma in Adult Nursing

Diploma in Executive and Business Coaching

Certificate in Career Coaching

Certificate in Nurse Coaching

Certificate in Project Management & Systems Development

Diploma in Montessori Teaching

Certifications in Cancer Care & Palliative Care

Registered General Nurse (RGN), NMBI Registered

Registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland

"I founded my coaching practice because I see so many wonderful nurses who feel stuck or unsure about which direction to take. My goal is to help you see what's possible and build a career you feel genuinely excited about."

Sonya Carr, RGN & Certified Career Coach
Why Work With Me

Real Experience. Qualified to Coach.

I bring something rare to career coaching: deep clinical nursing expertise combined with professional training. My guidance is grounded in the reality of nursing, not just theory.

Sonya Carr, nurse career coach, smiling in a navy shirt

30+ Years of Nursing

I've worked across multiple specialties and understand the unique pressures nurses face at every career stage, from acute hospitals to community care.

Educator, Mentor & Leader

As a clinical placement coordinator, practice development nurse, and further education lecturer, I've guided hundreds of nurses and healthcare professionals through career transitions.

Certified Nurse & Career Coach

Holding a Diploma in Adult Nursing, a BSc in Nursing and an MSc in Applied Healthcare Management, alongside qualifications in Executive & Business Coaching, Nurse Coaching and Career Coaching, I bring the professional tools to help you move forward with confidence.

I've Walked the Road

I know what it means to balance home life, ambition, and a demanding healthcare career. My guidance is always grounded in practical, lived experience.

International Perspective

With experience coordinating internationally educated nurses, I support nurses from all backgrounds and understand the unique challenges of working across healthcare systems.

Speaker, Writer & Advocate

I regularly present publicly, sharing my career journey to encourage and inspire nurses to discover and follow their own path, on their terms.

Get in Touch

Ready to take the next step?

Location
Drogheda, Co. Louth
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