Zahra Ali Abdo
RN. MSN
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Accomplished Emarati Healthcare Executive and Nursing Leader with 20 years of progressive experience in government hospitals, including 15 years in senior leadership roles within SEHA and Military Hospital. Expert in Clinical operations, nursing leadership, clinical governance, and accreditation readiness (JCIA & DOH). Proven ability to lead large-scale healthcare teams, optimize workforce planning, and deliver measurable improvements in patient outcomes and organizational performance. Notable achievements include reducing patient length of stay, enhancing satisfaction scores, and cost savings through operational efficiency. Respected for advancing Emiratization, innovation, and evidence-based practice while fostering a culture of excellence in nursing and healthcare delivery.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Retired
UAE Military
01.2020 - Current
Director of Clinical Operations
Corniche Hospital, SEHA
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Directed operations for a 184-bed tertiary maternity and neonatal hospital, reporting directly to the CEO and C-Suite.
- Reduced length of stay from 5 to 3.5 days by implementing innovative workflow processes.
- Improved patient experience by increasing outpatient and radiology wait-time satisfaction from 30% to 80%.
- Oversaw continuous readiness for JCIA and DOH compliance, maintaining international quality and safety standards.
- Represented Allied Health and Patient Access at SEHA Corporate level, driving standardization of patient flow and care models.
- Mentored junior staff members, contributing to the development of a high-performing, cohesive team focused on achieving departmental goals.
- Optimized scheduling procedures, reducing wait times for patients while maximizing resource utilization within the clinic setting.
- Increased patient satisfaction ratings with timely, effective communication strategies.
Deputy Chief Nursing Officer
Corniche Hospital, SEHA
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Managed 550+ nurses, midwives, and 45 allied health professionals across all departments.
- Executed a AED 29M inpatient expansion project (41 postnatal suites).
- Established a AED 9M Simulation Center to advance clinical training and education.
- Revamped nursing budget and staffing models, achieving AED 1.5M annual savings and reducing overtime by 50%.
- Reduced staff turnover by 30% through midwife recruitment strategies and Emiratization programs.
- Introduced UAE’s first Bereavement Service, awarded as a top SEHA transformational initiative.
- Led workforce planning and zero-based budgeting initiatives at SEHA Corporate, ensuring standardized care delivery across all entities.
- Improved department efficiency by streamlining processes
- Developed Nursing strategic plans to address current challenges and future growth opportunities for the organization.
- Cultivated a positive work atmosphere by encouraging open communication channels among Nursing and Allied Health team members at all levels of the organization.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement through employee training, development, and performance management.
- Promoted a safe work environment by establishing comprehensive safety procedures and conducting routine inspections.
Assistant Director of Nursing & Clinical Services
Al Ain Hospital, SEHA
09.2009 - 12.2013
- Oversaw 1,200+ nursing staff across 35 specialties in a 402-bed acute care hospital.
- Implemented a discharge planning system converting 32 long-stay beds into acute care capacity.
- Co-led the integration of cardiology services between Al Ain and Tawam hospitals.
- Developed the first Emirati Nurse Development Plan and strategic staffing initiatives.
- Contributed to JCIA reaccreditation (2013) and advanced evidence-based nursing practice.
- Developed positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
- Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.
- Enhanced staff performance through regular training sessions and professional development opportunities.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork by encouraging open communication among staff members and facilitating collaboration across departments.
Case Manager
Al Ain Hospital, SEHA
01.2009 - 01.2011
Senior Executive – Clinical Care
Dubai Healthcare City
01.2007 - 01.2008
Director of Nursing & Head of Training
Zayed Military Hospital
01.1997 - 01.2006
Staff Nurse & Supervisor
Zayed Military Hospital
01.1994 - 01.1997
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Administration & Education
George Mason University
USA 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
College of Health Sciences
Bahrain 04.2001 -
Diploma - Nursing
College of Health Sciences
Bahrain 04.2001 -
Skills
- Healthcare Operations Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Accreditation compliance management
- Workforce optimization strategies
- Patient Experience & Quality Improvement
- Budgeting & Cost Containment
- Risk management
- Cross-functional team leadership
Awards
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Award for Academic Achievement – 2003
Timeline
Retired
UAE Military
01.2020 - Current
Director of Clinical Operations
Corniche Hospital, SEHA
01.2018 - 12.2019
Deputy Chief Nursing Officer
Corniche Hospital, SEHA
01.2014 - 01.2018
Assistant Director of Nursing & Clinical Services
Al Ain Hospital, SEHA
09.2009 - 12.2013
Case Manager
Al Ain Hospital, SEHA
01.2009 - 01.2011
Senior Executive – Clinical Care
Dubai Healthcare City
01.2007 - 01.2008
Master of Science - Nursing Administration & Education
George Mason University
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
College of Health Sciences
04.2001 -
Diploma - Nursing
College of Health Sciences
04.2001 -
Director of Nursing & Head of Training
Zayed Military Hospital
01.1997 - 01.2006
Staff Nurse & Supervisor
Zayed Military Hospital
01.1994 - 01.1997
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