Deborah Louise Dornauf
Cudgera Creek,NSW
Summary
I am a Biomedical Science student (GPA 6.0/7.0) with practical training in microbiology, haematology, histology, and molecular biology. I also bring over 10 years of healthcare experience in roles requiring strict infection control, accuracy, compliance, and effective communication. Through my laboratory coursework I have gained skills in specimen reception and handling, blood smear preparation, Gram staining, plate cultures, PCR, electrophoresis, solution preparation, and equipment calibration. My background in fast-paced healthcare settings has strengthened my ability to work accurately under pressure, adapt quickly, and communicate effectively with clinical staff and patients. These experiences have deepened my interest in the biological processes that drive health and disease, with a focus on laboratory investigation and diagnostic practice. I am keen to contribute these skills to Pathology Queensland, supporting accurate results, efficient operations, and high-quality patient care.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant in Nursing (Agency AIN)
Crewe Sharp
Northern Rivers, NSW
11.2024 - Current
- Provide nursing assistance across 13+ aged care and health facilities in 6 months, adapting quickly to new workplaces and teams.
- Support residents with personal care, mobility, and daily living while maintaining 100% compliance in infection control and WHS standards across all shifts.
- Communicate effectively with permanent staff to ensure safe and consistent care.
Sole Trader – NDIS Independent Support Worker
Self-Employed
Pottsville, NSW
01.2023 - Current
- Delivered individualised support services under the NDIS, working independently to manage scheduling, invoicing, and compliance.
- Maintained accurate records and liaised with clients, families, and service providers to coordinate support.
- Adapted communication and de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviours, ensuring professionalism and patient dignity
Disability Support Worker (High Care Facility)
United Disability Care
Mullumbimby, NSW
11.2022 - 02.2025
- Supported 5 clients with complex needs, using de-escalation techniques and tailored communication strategies.
- Administered medications safely and accurately in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment and documented all care activities with precision.
- Demonstrated adaptability and resilience while working independently during overnight shifts, managing urgent patients' needs and escalating care appropriately.
Supported Living Facilitator
Uniting Care Community
01.2022 - 11.2022
- Provided 24/7 high-intensity care for a non-verbal client requiring 2:1 staffing, applying Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies to ensure safety and well-being.
- Collaborated closely with the client's mother through consistent health reporting and supporting continuity of care.
Disability Support Worker
Endeavour Foundation
Toowoomba, QLD
09.2018 - 11.2022
- Independently coordinated and supervised 4 clients with intellectual disabilities during community access, ensuring safety, compliance and effective communication.
- Managed competing client needs simultaneously with vigilance and accountability.
- Encouraged participation in community and social activities to build independence.
Additional Healthcare Experience
HealthCall Australia & Blue Care
Toowoomba, QLD
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Supported elderly clients through respite and social programs promoting independence, well-being and community participation.
- Delivered one-on-one support to a client with an intellectual disability and challenging behaviours, ensuring appropriate presentation and safe social participation.
Assistant Nurse
Regis Aged Care
Toowoomba, QLD
03.2010 - 04.2011
- Assisted 30+ residents daily with hygiene, mobility, and daily living tasks.
- Delivered consistent, high-standard care in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accurate patient records.
Education
Bachelor of Biomedical Science - Biochemistry, Microbiology, Haematology, Molecular Genetics
Southern Cross University
09.2025
Certificate IV in Individual Support -
02.2022
Certificate III in Individual Support - Disability
03.2014
Bachelor of Nursing -
University of New England
01.2012
Skills
- Completed 100 hours of supervised laboratory practicals, including:
- Microbiology — plate cultures, Gram staining, aseptic technique
- Haematology — Wright’s blood smears, cell morphology
- Histology — H&E and PAS staining
- Molecular Biology — PCR, electrophoresis, solution preparation, standard curves
- Specimen reception: identification, labelling, aliquoting, storage, and data entry
- Specimen handling & preparation
- Equipment calibration & maintenance checks
- Chemical handling procedures
- Laboratory safety & infection control (PC2, PPE, WHS compliance)
- Accurate documentation & record-keeping
- Team collaboration in healthcare & scientific environments
- Customer service and liaison with clinicians, patients, and stakeholders
Certification
- PC2 Laboratory Safety Certification
- NDIS Worker Orientation Module
- Current NDIS Screening Check
- Current Blue Card
- Current First Aid & CPR Certificate
- Open Driver’s Licence
- Vaccination compliance: MMR, Varicella, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, COVID-19
- National Police Check & NSW Worker Verification
Timeline
Assistant in Nursing (Agency AIN)
Crewe Sharp
11.2024 - Current
Sole Trader – NDIS Independent Support Worker
Self-Employed
01.2023 - Current
Disability Support Worker (High Care Facility)
United Disability Care
11.2022 - 02.2025
Supported Living Facilitator
Uniting Care Community
01.2022 - 11.2022
Disability Support Worker
Endeavour Foundation
09.2018 - 11.2022
Additional Healthcare Experience
HealthCall Australia & Blue Care
01.2012 - 01.2015
Assistant Nurse
Regis Aged Care
03.2010 - 04.2011
Bachelor of Biomedical Science - Biochemistry, Microbiology, Haematology, Molecular Genetics
Southern Cross University
Certificate IV in Individual Support -
Certificate III in Individual Support - Disability
Bachelor of Nursing -
University of New England