Deborah Lehr, MSN, RN
Summary
Compassionate and resourceful registered nurse with 25 years of experience offering comprehensive patient care in outpatient environments. Works well with diverse patient populations and fosters trusting relationships to improve outcomes. Committed to delivering best-in-class patient care through effective education and counseling
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Diabetes Educator RN
Meritus Health
Hagerstown, MD
03.2022 - Current
- Improve patient outcomes by developing personalized diabetes education plans tailored to individual needs.
- Use sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and professionalism to work with diverse groups of people.
- Maintain up-to-date education on diabetes medications, devices, and standards of care.
- Consult with physicians to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with diabetes, resulting in better overall health.
- Evaluate patient progress and adjusted education strategies as needed, ensuring continued growth in self-management skills.
- Provide ongoing support for patients through follow-up appointments and phone consultations, enhancing their ability to manage their condition independently.
- Establish strong rapport with patients and their families, fostering trust and open communication throughout the education process.
- Stay current on emerging research related to diabetes treatment and education, integrating new findings into practice as appropriate.
- Maintain accurate records of patient interactions and progress, assisting in data-driven decision-making for future program improvements.
- Conduct assessments of newly diagnosed diabetics, identifying learning needs and establishing goals for individualized education programs.
- Promote positive behavior change among patients by providing guidance on nutrition, exercise, medication adherence, blood glucose monitoring techniques, and stress management strategies.
- Address cultural barriers by tailoring educational materials and approaches to diverse populations, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
- Spearhead quality improvement initiatives that streamlined diabetes education processes and increased overall efficiency.
- Leverage strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with both patients and healthcare professionals, fostering a cohesive care environment.
Coordinator of Community Health Education & Outreach
Meritus Medical Center
Hagerstown, MD
10.2018 - 03.2022
- Developed and implemented primary and secondary health education initiatives for residents of all ages in Washington County, MD based on the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment.
- Employed data and research for the identification and coordination of partnerships/efforts to increase outreach to vulnerable populations and priority neighborhoods.
- Upheld ongoing communication to foster collaborative efforts with community health partner organizations for outreach program expansion.
- Crafted educational materials aligned with community and organizational health goals.
- Supervised student intern project development, execution, and success
- Served as Clinical Support Unit Leader during initial pandemic shut down in 2020.
- Scheduled and facilitated mobile clinics administering COVID vaccines to community members with health disparities in Washington County, MD.
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Developed comprehensive reports for senior management, enabling informed decision-making based on data-driven insights.
- Organized company-wide events that boosted employee wellness and cultivated team spirit within the organization.
- Spearheaded volunteer programs that positively impacted local communities while showcasing the company''s commitment to social responsibility.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall company objectives, fostering a unified approach toward shared goals.
Adjunct Clinical Nursing Instructor – Medical Surgical
Towson University
Hagerstown, MD
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Facilitated learning experiences in the clinical setting for third-year, second-semester nursing students,
- Enhanced student clinical performance by providing thorough instruction and hands-on guidance in various nursing procedures.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback to foster growth and improvement.
- Facilitated engaging discussions on current healthcare trends and practices, promoting critical thinking among students.
- Implemented evidence-based teaching strategies to effectively convey complex nursing concepts.
- Served as a role model for nursing students by demonstrating professionalism, ethical behavior, and effective communication skills in all interactions.
Staff Nurse – Radiology Department
Meritus Medical Center
Hagerstown, MD
02.2004 - 10.2018
- Assisted interventional radiologists with diagnostic procedures, ensuring accurate results for optimal treatment planning.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
- Promoted a culture of safety by strictly adhering to infection control measures and reporting any potential hazards or concerns.
- Demonstrated excellent time management skills while juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Led initiatives for continuous improvement in quality measures, resulting in better patient outcomes.
- Responded to any departmental emergency, including RRT's, codes, and allergic reactions.
- Scheduled, screened, interviewed, and educated patients before procedures.
- Tracked monthly statistics relating to the number of interventional procedures, non-diagnostic results, complications, and re-biopsies.
Staff Nurse
Diagnostic Imaging Services
Hagerstown, MD
05.2014 - 08.2017
- Surgically assisted interventional radiologist with sterile procedures, including venous laser ablation on lower extremities, phleblectomies, and sclerotherapy.
- Assessed and monitored outpatients undergoing cardiac CTA.
- Accessed medi-ports on patients for CT studies with contrast injection.
Staff Nurse – Procedural Recovery
Meritus Medical Center
Hagerstown, MD
07.2010 - 04.2011
- Prepared and recovered patients for minimally invasive procedures in which moderate sedation or anesthesia was administered.
- Procedures included: endoscopy, radiology, cardiac catheterization, and lithotripsy.
Critical Care Nurse Educator
Washington County Hospital
Hagerstown, MD
09.2002 - 02.2004
- Provided education and skills improvement opportunities for the staff of CCU, ICU, and PCU.
- Organized new nurse orientation program.
- Ensured high-quality care for critically ill patients by maintaining current knowledge on critical care advancements and best practices.
Staff Nurse – ICU
George Washington University Hospital
Washington, DC
06.1999 - 11.2002
- Cared for a diverse patient population at a Level 1 trauma facility/teaching hospital.
- Medical patients cared for include acute MI on IABP, end-stage AIDS, ARDS, and multiple system organ failure.
- Surgical patients cared for include fresh post-op CABG, valves, AAA repair, gastric bypass, craniotomy, and trauma.
- Mentored new nursing staff, supporting their professional growth and development.
Education
MSN - Nursing Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT07.2019
RN – Diploma - Nursing
Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing
Richmond, VA05.1999
B.A. - Speech Communication
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC05.1992
A.A. - General Studies
Coastal Carolina Community College
Jacksonville, NC05.1990
Skills
- Patient assessment
- Risk factor identification
- Problem-solving abilities
- Time management
- Cultural Competency
- Complication prevention
- Individualized care planning
- EMR documentation
Accomplishments
· Former Nurse Practice Council Chair – January 2016 – December 2017.
· 2017 Departmental Nurse of the Year Award.
· 2017 Daisy Nursing Team Award.
· 2017 Recipient of HRCRC MSN Scholarship.
Certification
- Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN 2009 – 2022)
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN 2002 – 2023)
- Health Care Provider Basic Life Support
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement Basic Certificate in Quality & Safety
Affiliations
- Member – Association of Radiologic and Imaging Nurses
- Member – American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Member – Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Diabetes Educator RN
Meritus Health
03.2022 - Current
Adjunct Clinical Nursing Instructor – Medical Surgical
Towson University
01.2021 - 05.2021
Coordinator of Community Health Education & Outreach
Meritus Medical Center
10.2018 - 03.2022
Staff Nurse
Diagnostic Imaging Services
05.2014 - 08.2017
Staff Nurse – Procedural Recovery
Meritus Medical Center
07.2010 - 04.2011
Staff Nurse – Radiology Department
Meritus Medical Center
02.2004 - 10.2018
Critical Care Nurse Educator
Washington County Hospital
09.2002 - 02.2004
Staff Nurse – ICU
George Washington University Hospital
06.1999 - 11.2002
MSN - Nursing Education
Western Governors University
RN – Diploma - Nursing
Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing
B.A. - Speech Communication
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
A.A. - General Studies
Coastal Carolina Community College