From licensed practical nurse to PACU registered nurse: Discover Debra’s career growth at Northwell 

At Northwell Health, our nursing team members are committed to providing compassionate care to our patients and the communities we serve. We foster a culture where our nurses can thrive through educational, mentorship and leadership opportunities, helping them gain new skills and refine their expertise for continued success.

Debra began her career with Northwell in 2005 as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Mather Hospital’s medical-surgical unit where she built a strong clinical foundation.  Debra took classes to earn her degree to become a registered nurse and then transferred to Mather’s intensive care unit (ICU) in 2013, where she cared for critically ill patients and strengthened her critical thinking skills.

In 2016, Debra transferred to interventional radiology, where she expanded her procedural and specialty care experience in nursing. She also served as a charge nurse, which gave her the opportunity to lead and coordinate teams. One year later, while working full-time, Debra completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with the support of Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program.

This led to her current role as a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse since 2022, where she provides postoperative care, monitors patients recovering from anesthesia, manages pain and ensures safe transitions between phases of care. She also continues to work as a charge nurse and mentors her peers.

In addition, Debra has been working toward earning her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in leadership since 2025. Debra looks forward to continuing to grow in leadership.

“Northwell has supported my growth through mentorship, tuition reimbursement and academic partnerships,” said Debra. “I value the opportunities for continuous learning and advancement, and my supportive team.”

Grow your career as a registered nurse at Northwell today.