Her Story
About Deborah
I started my career as a new grad in a high-level emergency department where I worked for about 15 years and became a sexual assault and domestic violence nurse examiner running the Dove program. I then spent 8 years in the cardiac cath lab caring for STEMI patients before becoming the chest pain accreditation navigator for over 8 years, helping my hospital achieve accreditation. After 30 years at the hospital, I joined ACC Accreditation Services 11 years ago as a review specialist where I now guide 43 hospitals through accreditation in chest pain, cath lab, structural heart, and EP services.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Deborah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance. I have always tried in my career to be the best that I can be in that role. Every one of my career path jobs, I have always been nationally certified in those roles. Really dedicating myself and making myself the best I can be in my role has led to the steps that I've been able to achieve in my successful career. This is my dream job and I feel as though I can really impact cardiovascular health across the nation.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My director for the cath lab gave me the best advice to always put your big girl panties on and just get it done. Also, don't bring a problem forward unless you have a couple solutions in mind for fixing the problem. In healthcare with rapid changes, complaining serves no purpose other than getting your blood pressure up. If you have a problem, figure out a couple solutions before you present it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Entering the nursing field these days is very difficult. You have to enter nursing for the right reason. Nursing is not an easy job if you do it correctly. It should be fulfilling and meaningful for you. Make a decision on your career path based on where your heart leads you. Remember that there are humans at the other end. Your attitude has to be the best you can be because patients look to nurses for comfort, kindness, and understanding.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the workload right now, trying to navigate hospitals and ensure their success while giving the customer service they need. Work-life balance is definitely more work than life at this point. Also, trying to navigate the change of healthcare and keep up with it as a reviewer who is looked at as the expert in the field. It takes a lot of initiative to keep up with all the changes in guidelines, equipment, and process protocols.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My best values are honesty and dedication. For my customers, I have to be honest to improve patient outcomes and ensure the hospital is meeting strict criteria. Dedication is key because this is not a 9-to-5 job. I work many days after hours and on weekends, and I always make sure my hospitals become accredited.
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