A Nurse Who Truly Understands
Your Career Journey
30 years of frontline nursing experience. Now dedicated to helping you see what's possible — and build a career that works for your life.
Sonya Carr
Nurse · Career Coach · MentorI'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, Clinical Placement Coordinator — supporting both student nurses and internationally educated nurses — and as Assistant Director of Nursing/Nurse Practice Development.
I also spent years in Further Education, teaching pre-nursing and healthcare courses at QQI Level 5 and 6. Through every role, I developed a deep understanding of what it means to build a nursing career that lasts — and what holds so many nurses back from doing so.
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.
Real Experience. Qualified to Coach.
I bring something rare to career coaching: deep clinical nursing expertise combined with professional coaching training — guidance that is grounded in the reality of nursing, not just theory.
30+ Years of Frontline 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 FE lecturer, I've guided hundreds of nurses and healthcare professionals through career transitions.
Certified Nurse & Career Coach
Holding 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.
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 → Clinical Nurse Manager
Acute hospital and non-acute settings across Ireland
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
Nurse Career Coach
Helping nurses across Ireland explore, decide, and grow
"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 CoachEducation That Informs Every Coaching Conversation
My coaching is underpinned by over a decade of post-registration education, clinical leadership experience, and professional coaching accreditation.
MSc in Healthcare Management
BSc in Nursing
Higher 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