Nurse Deb

By: Omar Reyes Chavez

Nurse Deb has been Collinsville's nurse since 2012 and has been an amazing role model for our Panthers. She decided to become a nurse because she wanted to help people and make a difference in their lives. After attending Atlanta College for Medical Assistants, she began working in various doctors' offices across multiple cities. She spent seven years in this role, and once her daughter finished school, she pursued her RN degree, working in the ER at Fort Payne during her studies.

Nurse Deb also worked at a sock mill, where she recorded her lessons and listened to them repeatedly to study. She became a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and learned about a job opening at Collinsville High School. After being interviewed by Dr. Barnett, she was hired in February 2012.

One lesser-known fact about her is that she often spends her own money on equipment such as otoscopes, flashlights, and blood pressure cuffs, along with everyone's favorite, Sprite. Unlike teachers, she doesn’t have a budget for these supplies, which is something she advocates for. She explains, "I use Sprite to encourage kids to keep coming back and to help them feel comfortable because you should never withhold anything from a medical worker." Not once has she regretted spending her money; she believes that the students deserve it, and she wants the best for them.

Nurse Deb not only helps people at school; she is always willing to assist anyone in need. She once shared with me a story about helping someone involved in a wreck after finishing her work, which highlights what an amazing person she is. 

Her advice for future nurses and doctors is to have the heart to help people and to remain calm because you are a source of reassurance for others. She also emphasizes the importance of questioning your judgment, as it leads to personal growth. Whether someone needs help with a scraped knee or has a stomachache, Nurse Deb will always be there for you, not just for students, but for teachers as well.

It may be surprising to learn about everything she has done, but personally, I was amazed. The Class of 2025 was her first class, and we will always hold a special place in her heart, just as she does in ours.