DEBRA MILLER, BS/RN, BC

27 Jackson Street Apt. 330 Lowell, MA 01852 * 978-677-7247* 978-879-5922 * dmill

er137@comcast.net

PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
Highly skilled professional with extensive experience providing psychiatric nurs
ing care to patients in psychiatric, alternative and hospital settings. Outstand
ing leader and vital medical team member; recognized for the ability to provide
safe and effective care to diverse patient populations from admission to dischar
ge. Strong belief in the power of the therapeutic relationship with a focus on t
he clients wellbeing and welfare.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Taught lay staff to administer medication safely while serving as Nurse Manager
.
Demonstrated success as a team player. Collaborated with coworkers and delivere
d optimal care to each client.
Selected to serve as Synergys first Psychiatric Home Health Nurse.
Earned recognition for providing outstanding care which generated referrals fro
m clients as well as physicians.
Remained in touch with referrals, key resources and other members of a vital ne
twork.
Addressed the needs of unexpected clients/visitors; initiated client intake.
Remained current on psychopharmacology. Researched best practices in forming th
erapeutic relationships and all aspects of client care.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
HEAD NURSE OF HEALTH OFFICE | LOWELL COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL, Lowell, MA 2009
to 2010
Oversaw the health office in accordance with DESE policies. Provided high qualit
y health care to over 900 students and led a high performance team including a L
PN, RN nursing students and a medical assistant. Followed best practices in maki
ng appropriate referrals and in performing mandated screenings. Demonstrated the
importance of treating each student with respect and dignity. Conducted patient
assessments, implemented treatment plans, administered medications, managed all
aspects of care and documented via the medical database. Ensured compliance wit
h HIPPA and other regulatory requirements.
Obtained epi-pen delegation and field trip med delegation for the school.
Implemented a system to obtain physician orders and parental consent forms for
all medications.
Recognized as the first nurse to complete the 7th grade immunization survey in
the schools eight years of operation.
Created a safe health office and provided exceptional care by consistently moni
toring staff performance and ensuring accuracy in care practices.
DIRECTOR OF NURSING | KELLIHER CENTER, Arlington, MA 2008 to 2009
Met rigorous standards in providing health care to 60 individuals in acute situa
tions. Ensured medical documentation was in accordance with Medicaid standards.
Gathered patient histories, performed assessments, administered medication and m
anaged patient care.
Assessed and managed emergency situations. Confirmed participants received appr
opriate medications and treatments.
Developed and delivered comprehensive trainings to staff on infection control a
nd blood-borne pathogens.
PSYCH HOME CARE NURSE | SYNERGY HOME CARE, Marlborough, MA 2006 to 2007
Provided psychiatric care to clients. Managed the care of patients with cardiac
and respiratory illnesses. Evaluated efficacy of medication regimes, confirmed m
edication compliance and examined clients to determine any adverse effects. Coun
seled clients and families; provided education about diseases, treatments and me
dications. Set goals with clients and provided support necessary to achieve goal
s. Maintained a network of key referral sources. Collaborated with physicians re
garding concerns about clients and progress. Completed OASIS paperwork, ROCs, fo
llow-up OASIS and discharges accurately and on time.
DEBRA MILLER, BS/RN, BC * Page 2 *978-677-7247* 978-879-4830

PSYCH HOME CARE NURSE | SYNERGY HOME CARE, Continued

Formed therapeutic relationships with clients; made extra home visits and playe
d a role in preventing multiple hospitalizations.
Demonstrated success in medical/surgical nursing.
Traveled to a rest home in Hyde Park to provide weekly psychiatric evaluations.
PROGRAM NURSE FOR RESIDENTIAL | COTTAGE HILL ACADEMY, Baldwinville, MA 2005
Utilized psychiatric theory in a DSS school and residence. Met DOE and OCCS stan
dards in providing medical and psychiatric care. Documented and wrote quarterly
reports. Reviewed charts for DOE and other licensing agencies. Educated staff on
CPR/first aid, infection control and blood borne pathogens. Confirmed residents
received regular physicals and dentals. Communicated with staff on residents di
agnosis and treatment. Provided residents with education about medications. Asse
ssed efficacy of medication regimes. Completed intake medical assessments.
Resolved a lice outbreak in collaboration with other professionals.
Maintained open lines of communication with teachers, house supervisors and hou
se managers.
DAY HABILITATION NURSE | MORGAN MEMORIAL GOODWILL INDUSTRIES, Roxbury, MA 2004
to 2005
Provided comprehensive care to developmentally delayed adults; supported clients
one-on-one and ran groups. Implemented a walking program and played a role in d
ealing with difficult behaviors. Promoted independence and improved social skill
s. Assessed medication regimes effectiveness. Documented all client interactions
. Encouraged case managers to employ alternative techniques to prevent clients f
rom escalating. Monitored clients after seizures. Responded to all medical alert
s at Morgan Memorial. Reviewed and organized charts for DMR review and CARF cert
ification. Reported abuse and filed reports. Recorded attendance daily and follo
wed up on all absent clients to ensure safety.
Served as first responder for medical problems throughout the building.
Collaborated with day habilitation staff in identifying and meeting social, emo
tional and physical needs of participants.
HEALTH CARE COORDINATOR/NURSE MANAGER | SOLSTICE TREATMENT PROGRAM, Rowley, MA
2000
Health Care Manager and School Nurse for DMH residential program with oversight
of medication administration, records management, care planning and implementati
on. Tracked and inventoried medications.
Selected to serve as Administrator on an on call basis.
Reviewed intake paperwork and wrote first draft of admission history.
OVERNIGHT CAMP NURSE | CRANE LAKE CAMP, West Stockbridge, MA 2000
Provided health care and triage services in support of campers. Documented each
interaction and kept management apprised of serious injuries. Passed daily medic
ations and documented.
ADDITIONAL ROLES: SCHOOL NURSE AND THERAPIST; OVERNIGHT CAMP NURSE; EVENING STAF
F NURSE/NURSE; STAFF NURSE: Met rigorous nursing standards and provided comprehe
nsive care to clients. Gathered patient histories, performed assessments, admini
stered medication, managed patient care and maintained health records. Establish
ed policies for medication delivery, medical emergencies and accreditation stand
ards.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE | SIMMONS COLLEGE, Boston, MA
RN: NH / RN: VT, ME, In Progress
ANCC Certified, Psychiatric/Mental Health
DESE Certified School Nurse
CPR/First Aid Certified, Past Instructor