2015 Tillman Scholar
Having begun her nursing education when she met her Active Duty Air Force husband, Deborah was also a volunteer in the military community, offering support to other military families and opening up their house to pray, eat, and share struggles of worry over a deployed dad, sweetheart or child. Deborah has a previous lifelong volunteer experience as Director of Children and Family Ministries, Nursery Coordinator, Red Cross volunteer, and a member of American Association of Critical Care Nurses and American Nurses Credentialing Center, and recently served as a volunteer in 2012 at WakeMed Cary’s Women’s Pavilion.
Growing up with her father serving in the Air Force resulted in Deborah attending a new school every two years, instilling resiliency to change and difficulty, enabling her to work with veteran patients every day, and giving her a farsightedness when a family member doesn’t understand her husband’s PTSD. Currently a VA nurse, Deborah’s professional goals will be achieved by becoming a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). Deborah currently serves as co-chair of a patient password hospital committee to facilitate patient’s information safety while working within her role to advance care for veterans with mental health disorders.
By pursuing her Master’s degree, Deborah will achieve her goal of having the perfect mix of clinical and leadership training which will benefit the veteran population she enjoys working with