1.
Debora S. Heidtman, MHA, RN
Cranston, Rhode Island 02920
4015243769
debemm@verizon.net
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debora-heidtman
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Health care leader with a strong operations background and proven record of achievements through
multi-disciplinary team-leadership and a cooperative leadership style. Ability to motivate teams to top
performance and running smoothly during stormy times. An inquisitive mind that is always looking for
solutions and creative ways to move teams and projects forward. Strong critical thinking and judgment
skills with a capability to make decisions in the face of uncertainty. Strong ability to develop and mentor
others. Flexibility with the capacity to learn and succeed in new situations and cultures.
KEY SKILLS
Registered Nurse Communication Skills
Program Development Leadership Skills
Case Management Proficient in Microsoft Office
Suite
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 2000-2016
Director of Inpatient Nursing and Patient Assessment Services 2014-2016
(Formerly Vice President of Patient Care Services)
Responsible for oversight of day to day operations of 170 inpatient behavioral health beds along with
direct responsibility of the psychiatric emergency department with over 10,00 patient visits per year.
• Co-chair of the Falls Committee; implemented best practices such as post fall huddle, falls team
rounding and staff education with successive reduction in fall rates.
• Core member of labor management team; remediate labor disputes and participant in contract
negotiations.
• Organized team to developed staff training module for Suicide Risk Assessment.
• Developed algorithms for management of patient violence and contraband.
• Ensured continuous readiness for regulatory and licensing agencies and acted as liaison to TJC
surveyors resulting in successful unannounced survey 2015.
• Restructured nursing work flow of the psychiatric emergency room to align with patient needs;
provide immediate triage of all patients, ensure nurse to nurse hand off at admission and
organized nursing schedules to patient arrival by time of day.
• Senior advisor to Nursing Policy and Procedure Committee
Director of Adult Services 2005-2014
Responsible for oversight, development and planning for three 29-bed adult psychiatric units serving
dually diagnosed patients.
• Core team member for development, design and implementation of EMR
• Ensured compliance with regulatory bodies and served as standard bearer for Provision of Care
chapter for TJC.
• Developed and implemented Patient Handbook to provide orientation, education and skills
building tools.
• Developed and implemented nursing SBAR hand off from emergency department to inpatient
nursing units.
• Redesigned nursing delivery of care to team model.
• Co-lead interdisciplinary group for Quality Improvement in Treatment Planning.

2.
Kent County Hospital, Warwick, RI Nurse Manager, Kent Unit at Butler Hospital 2000-2015
• Managed diverse 29-bed acute inpatient unit serving dually diagnosed patients.
• Responsible for successful accreditation by regulatory bodies.
• Successive improvement in patient satisfaction scores.
• Developed staff recognition program.
• Provided supervision and evaluation of 25 staff including registered nurses, mental health
workers, and secretaries.
• Ensure fiscal management of staffing and budget.
Butler Hospital, Providence, RI
Nurse Manager, Alcohol and Drug Treatment Services 1999 - 2000
• Managed acute inpatient unit, partial hospital and intensive outpatient setting serving dually
diagnosed patients.
• Developed team to provide case management for “at risk” contract with external payer.
• Responsible for utilization management and associated costs to minimize financial risk.
• Provided supervision and evaluation of registered nurses, mental health workers, care planners,
unit secretaries, and volunteers
Butler Hospital, Providence, RI Utilization Review Clinician, Coordinated Care - 1991-1999
• Developed systems to ensure seamless transition through all levels of patient care.
• All care authorized for services rendered via review with 4th
party administrators
• Monitored clinical record to ensure compliance with internal and external standards. Trained staff
regarding quality documentation in medical record.
Butler Hospital, Providence, RI Per Diem Nursing Supervisor
1991-2000
• Triaged and evaluated patients requesting assessment services.
• Coordinated and facilitated admissions to appropriate inpatient service.
• Managed acuity of high volume admissions area
• Supervised clinical management of 113-bed psychiatric hospital during off shift hours.
RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
East Bay Mental Health Center, Barrington, RI Emergency Services Coordinator
• Conducted rapid assessment; providing differential diagnosis and crisis intervention for patients
including disposition and referrals to private and state facilities.
Butler Hospital, Providence, RI Psychiatric Nurse/Charge Nurse
• Provided care for acute psychiatric patient’s including assessment of treatment and response as
well as education groups for patients and families.
St. Joseph’s Hospital, Providence, RI Staff Nurse/Charge Nurse
• Cared for chronic and acutely ill medical and surgical patients focusing on cardiac and orthopedic
care.
EDUCATION
Salve Regina University, Newport, RI Masters of Health Administration 2002
Rhode Island College, Providence, RI Bachelor of Arts, Psychology 1982
Pace University, Pleasantville, NY Associate Degree of Nursing 1979

3.
CERTIFICATES & TRAININGS
Just Culture Training, 2014
Leadership Rhode Island Core Program, 2011
RI Department of Health Bioterrorism Exercise, 2004
Incident Command Training, Level 200, 2003
CREDENTIALS
Rhode Island Nursing License, # RN22387
AFFILIATIONS
Rhode Island State Nurses Association
• ANA-RI Environmental Affairs Council
• Participant in development of ANA-RI EAC Environmental Health Conference 2016
American Psychiatric Nurses Association
AWARDS
Care Award for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction, Honorable Mention, 2009
Care Award for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction, First Place, 2004
PUBLICATIONS
Heidtman, D. et al. 2012. “The Patient with Anxiety” In Inpatient Psychiatric Nursing: Clinical Strategies &
Practical Interventions, edited by Damon, L. et al., 25-50. New York: Springer Publishing.