Marylanders tell what they want to be: Debbie, psychiatric nurse at

Daily Record, The (Baltimore), Aug 1, 2008

Debbie

Psychiatric Nurse

Eastern Shore

Hospital Center

>> Education

Middle School: Cambridge Junior High

High School: Cambridge High

Favorite subjects: History, English

Summer jobs: Waitress, cashier, newspaper delivery, candy striper

What did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be a nurse.

What obstacles did you face growing up and how did you overcome them?

I grew up in a rural area and did not have access to a lot of things that other teens did, so I read a lot to learn about things outside of my world.

What or who inspired you growing up?

Pioneer women ... I liked reading about the settlement of the West.

What critical choices or decisions did you make growing up that helped you get to where you are today?

Being willing to try new things, meeting new people and being aware of what is going on in the world. Knowing about current events gives you a huge advantage no matter what career path you choose.

What do you wish you'd known then that you know now about high school?

Get to know the teachers better and instead of rebelling, listen to what they have to say.

>> After High School

School: MacQueen Gibbs Willis School of Nursing

Degree: R.N.

Major: General Nursing

College: University of Maryland at Baltimore

Degree: Bachelor's and master's in nursing

Field of study: General nursing

What obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?

Knowing that times had changed for women and I was attending a vocational all-girls school. I overcame this obstacle by going back to school at the University of Maryland and getting my bachelor's and master's degrees.

What critical choices or decisions did you make that helped you get where you are today?

Being interested in continually educating myself; staying confident; wanting to keep growing. Money is always an obstacle, but there are always ways to overcome that.

What do you wish you'd known then that you know now about education after high school?

I'm sorry I missed all the fun. I think I worked too hard!

>> Career

What do you do in your job?

I am a nurse specializing in psychiatric evaluations. I meet with patients and often perscribe medicine.

Why do you do your job?

1. Everything is a learning opportunity.

2. Each day is always different.

3. Each day is always a challenge.

What is your approximate annual salary range?

$80,000-$120,000

What perks or other tangible benefits do you get?

More education, travel, flexibility

What are the best and worst parts about your job?

The best is, because I deal with people, every day is new and different. But I always feel rushed -- there is never enough time!

If you weren't in your current profession, what would you be?

An archaeologist.

>> Typical day for Debbie

6:30am: Getting ready for work.

9:00am - 4:00pm: Interviewing new and existing patients/ prescribing

medication as needed.

7:00pm: At home walking the dog, exercising, re-energizing.