DEBRA M. REDFEARN
Ochsner Medical Center - Main Campus
Metairie,USA
1
Certification
29
years of professional experience
Dedicated Registered Nurse and Clinical Educator with extensive expertise in emergency nursing, critical care, and nursing education. Proven track record in developing innovative educational programs that enhance clinical practice through evidence-based strategies, while mentoring healthcare professionals to elevate their skills. Recognized for fostering strong interdisciplinary collaboration and delivering compassionate patient care in high-pressure environments, ensuring optimal outcomes for complex medical conditions. Detail-oriented professional adept at managing multiple tasks efficiently, with a strong focus on communication and project management to support team objectives and optimize healthcare processes.
Work History
RN Clinical Educator
3 Years 7 Months- Serve as Clinical Educator for Emergency Department, Free Standing Emergency Department, and Intensive Care Unit.
- Collaborated with nursing leadership to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate educational initiatives and competency programs that enhanced clinical knowledge and skills.
- Developed and facilitated orientation, onboarding, skills validation, and simulation training, ensuring comprehensive continuing education for nursing staff.
- Led evidence-based educational programs that prioritized patient safety and clinical excellence, contributing to improved quality outcomes.
- Coordinate competency assessments and regulatory education requirements.
- Partner with interdisciplinary teams to improve staff performance and patient outcomes.
- Previous experience supporting Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) patients requiring advanced monitoring and infusion therapies.
Licensed Practical Nurse
3 Years- Delivered emergency nursing care across Emergency Department, COVID units, and non-critical care areas to stabilize and support diverse patient needs.
- Conducted preoperative assessments, executed IV insertion, provided patient education, and prepared patients for surgery to ensure readiness and safety during procedures.
- Served on Unit Practice Council and departmental quality initiatives.
- Supported infection prevention and patient safety initiatives to enhance overall care quality and reduce risk of complications.
EMT Instructor
1 Year- Delivered EMT education, skill validation, simulation-based training, and advanced certification courses to enhance student preparedness and confidence in emergency situations.
- Designed high-fidelity simulation scenarios utilizing Laerdal simulation technology to create realistic training environments for effective skill application.
- Instructed and evaluated ACLS, PALS, CPR, and trauma-related courses to ensure competency in critical life-saving techniques among healthcare providers.
EMT Instructor
1 Year- Coordinated Emergency Medical Responder curriculum and laboratory experiences to enhance student understanding and application of emergency medical principles.
- Delivered didactic and simulation-based instruction for EMS students, fostering critical skills and knowledge essential for effective emergency response.
- Advised students, facilitating their progression into paramedic education pathways and ensuring alignment with career goals.
Education Coordinator, Paramedic, Bike Team Captain
8 Years- Coordinated EMS educational programs and paramedic curriculum.
- Managed adjunct faculty scheduling and educational operations.
- Developed simulation exercises and online learning content.
- Directed the EMS Bike Team during significant public events.
- Delivered employee health services including immunizations and health screenings.
Supervisor, Paramedic, Education Coordinator
2 Years- Supervised multidisciplinary medical and safety teams, ensuring compliance with safety regulations in an industrial setting.
- Managed staffing, payroll, performance improvement, and safety training programs to enhance team readiness and operational effectiveness.
- Developed emergency preparedness plans and hazardous materials response education, promoting safety awareness and preparedness among personnel.
Director of Education / CTC Coordinator / Paramedic Faculty
1 Year- Directed all aspects of EMS and paramedic education programs, including curriculum planning, instructional delivery, student evaluation, and faculty development.
- Coordinated and taught paramedic, EMT, ACLS, PALS, CPR, and trauma-focused courses utilizing evidence-based educational methodologies.
- Developed and implemented simulation-based learning experiences and competency assessments using high-fidelity Laerdal simulation equipment.
- Provided academic advising and mentorship to EMT and paramedic students throughout their educational progression.
- Managed inventory, procurement, maintenance, and budgeting for educational equipment and simulation resources.
- Served as American Heart Association (AHA) Community Training Center (CTC) Coordinator, overseeing compliance, instructor development, and course quality standards.
- Recruited, trained, and mentored adjunct faculty and field training officers to support student clinical education and preceptorship programs.
- Collaborated with state EMS organizations, educational committees, and healthcare partners to promote excellence in emergency medical education.
- Participated in emergency preparedness initiatives and regional disaster response activities, including service on emergency strike teams.
- Led continuous quality improvement initiatives designed to enhance student outcomes, clinical competency, and program effectiveness.
Director of EMS Education / Associate Professor
4 Years- Directed EMS education programs across multiple campuses.
- Ensured accreditation standards and regulatory compliance across programs.
- Led disaster preparedness and emergency response training initiatives.
- Supervised faculty, adjuncts, and support personnel to enhance educational effectiveness.
- Led disaster preparedness and emergency response training initiatives to improve community readiness.
Faculty, Department of Emergency Medical Services
4 Years- Delivered classroom, laboratory, clinical, and simulation instruction for EMT and paramedic education programs.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive didactic lectures, hands-on skills training, and simulation-based learning experiences covering emergency medicine, trauma care, cardiac emergencies, patient assessment, and critical care transport.
- Instructed and evaluated students in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) programs.
- Advised and mentored students to foster academic success and professional development within EMS, guiding them in career progression.
- Coordinated laboratory experiences, clinical rotations, and skills validation activities to ensure achievement of program objectives and certification requirements.
- Developed and implemented realistic simulation scenarios to strengthen students' clinical decision-making and patient care skills through critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Organized and developed a comprehensive educational video and resource library to support classroom, laboratory, and independent student learning.
- Designed, developed, and maintained the Department of EMS website, improving access to educational resources and program information.
- Provided guidance as Faculty Advisor for the Epsilon Mu Sigma Alpha Chapter EMS Student Association, fostering leadership development, student engagement, and professional involvement.
- Collaborated with hospitals, EMS agencies, and community partners to create and sustain clinical affiliations, enhancing experiential learning opportunities for students.
- Contributed to curriculum reviews, accreditation preparations, program evaluations, and continuous quality improvement initiatives to uphold educational excellence.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Associate Degree - Practical Nursing
Associate of Science - Critical Care Paramedic
Bachelor of General Studies - Health Services Management
Skills
Licensed RN
ACLS certification
Critical thinking
Competency evaluations
Clinical training facilitation
Clinical training development
Emergency response
Crisis management training
Cardiac care
Patient monitoring
Quality improvement
Curriculum Development
Simulation Technology
Learning Management Systems
Educational Program Management
Data Tracking & Reporting
Microsoft Office
EMR systems
Nursing staff leadership
Team coordination
Complex Problem-solving
Cardiac care
Affiliations
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
- Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD)
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
- National Association of Emergency Medical Services Educators
- National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Certification
- Registered Nurse, Louisiana
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), 2026
- Rural Trauma Team Development, 2026
- Emergency Disaster Planning, 2026
- Stroke Recognition and Response, 2025
- STEMI Recognition and Response, 2025
- Triage: Making It Work 2.0, 2025
- Peri-Op Nursing 101, 2023
- Certified Occupational Safety Specialist
- Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support Instructor
- Emergency Medical Services Instructor
- Critical Incident Stress Management (Basic & Advanced)
TEACHING & EDUCATIONAL EXPERTISE
- Nursing Professional Development
- Staff Development and Competency Validation
- Simulation-Based Education
- Curriculum Development
- Emergency Nursing Education
- Trauma Education
- Critical Care Education
- Orientation and Preceptor Programs
- High-Fidelity Simulation
- Regulatory Compliance Education
- Leadership Development
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Quality Improvement
Additional Healthcare and Educational Experience
- Quality Improvement Specialist/Paramedic, American Medical Response
- Education Coordinator/Paramedic, West Jefferson Medical Center
- Field Paramedic, Multiple EMS Agencies
- Instructor, Nursing Knowledge
- Advanced Training Officer, Tulane Emergency Medical Services
HONORS & AWARDS
Presidential Award, Louisiana Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (2008), Adult Client Clinical Excellence Award, Charity School of Nursing (2007), Excellence in Community Service, West Jefferson Medical Services (1996), Certificate of Appreciation, City of New Orleans (1989)
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Southeast Mobile Search and Rescue, Louisiana EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Critical Incident Stress Management Team, New Orleans Jazz Fest Medical Services, Crescent City Classic Medical Support, St. Bernard Parish Search and Rescue
Timeline
RN Clinical Educator
Ochsner Medical Center - Main Campus
01.2023 - CurrentRead More
Licensed Practical Nurse
Ochsner Medical Center - Main Campus
01.2020 - 01.2023Read More
EMT Instructor
Tulane Simulation Center
01.2017 - 01.2018Read More
EMT Instructor
Nunez Community College
01.2017 - 01.2018Read More
Education Coordinator, Paramedic, Bike Team Captain
Acadian Ambulance Service
01.2009 - 01.2017Read More
Supervisor, Paramedic, Education Coordinator
Cytec/Vinson Guard
01.2007 - 01.2009Read More
Director of Education / CTC Coordinator / Paramedic Faculty
New Haven Sponsor Hospital
01.2005 - 01.2006Read More
Director of EMS Education / Associate Professor
Delgado Community College
01.2002 - 01.2006Read More
Faculty, Department of Emergency Medical Services
University of South Alabama
01.1998 - 01.2002Read More
Chamberlain University
Master of Science in Nursing from Nursing
Read More
Chamberlain University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nursing
Read More
Nunez Community College
Associate Degree from Practical Nursing
Read More
Delgado Community College
Associate of Science from Critical Care Paramedic
Read More
University of New Orleans
Bachelor of General Studies from Health Services Management
Read More