Deborah Fleming-Zeigler, RN
Psychiatric Nursing Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Long-Term Care
*** ****** **, ******, ** 92877
*************@*****.***
Professional Summary:
• Compassionate and results-driven Registered Nurse with over 10 years of clinical experience across behavioral health, psychiatric nursing, correctional healthcare, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and long-term care settings.
• Licensed to practice in California, with an active BLS certification, and proficient in electronic health record systems including Epic and PointClickCare.
• Holds an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from Columbia State Community College.
• Expert in caring for complex patient populations with acute and chronic psychiatric conditions, substance use disorders, and co-morbid medical needs.
• Demonstrated leadership as a Charge RN, Clinical Administrator, and Nurse Educator in high-acuity psychiatric, rehabilitation, and behavioral health settings, including Dream Care of Prescott, Detention Center Clinic, McKendree Village, and a State Psychiatric Hospital.
• Highly skilled in crisis de-escalation, therapeutic communication, behavioral interventions, suicide and self- harm precautions, and psychotropic medication management for patients with acute mental health and co- occurring disorders.
• Demonstrated competency in procedural sedation including patient preparation, medication administration, and continuous monitoring of vital signs and respiratory status.
• Provide skilled nursing care for patients with brain injuries, developmental delays, or post-surgical rehabilitation needs.
• Proficient in wound care, tracheostomy and colostomy management, enteral feeding, and diabetic management.
• Committed to delivering trauma-informed, ethical, and patient-centered care in both acute and residential psychiatric environments.
• COVID-19 Vaccination: Fully vaccinated per CDC guidelines Skills:
Psychiatric & Behavioral Health Nursing
• Crisis Intervention
• Seclusion & Restraint Management
• Mental Status Examination
• Therapeutic Communication
• Group Therapy / Activity Leading
• Patient Education
• Behavior Management Techniques
• De-escalation Techniques
• Documentation (Behavioristic Charting, EMR, MSE)
• Admission/Discharge of Psychiatric Patients
• Crisis Intervention Concepts
Rehabilitation & General Nursing
• Foley Catheter Insertion (Male/Female)
• Wound Care & Wound Vac
• Procedural sedation
• Suctioning (Oral/Nasal/Tracheostomy)
• Specialty Beds and CPM Machines
• JP/Hemovac/Penrose Drain Care
• Airway Protection
• Neurological Assessments
• Electronic Documentation
• Assistance with Invasive Procedures (Central Line, Intubation, Lumbar Puncture)
Cardiovascular & Acute Care
• Heart Failure Management
• Permanent Pacemaker Monitoring
• Chest Pain Assessment
• Auscultation – Rate & Rhythm
• Hypertension Management
Emergency & Critical Care Skills
• Seizure Management & Neurological Monitoring
• Assessment and Management of Respiratory
Distress (COPD, Ambu-Bag use)
• IV Therapy & Infusion Management: Insertion,
Maintenance, Heparin Locks, Pump Operation
• Blood Administration and Monitoring
• Pain Management & Tolerance Assessment
Clinical Procedures & Nursing Fundamentals
• Foley Catheter Insertion (Male/Female)
• Universal & Isolation Precautions
• Specimen Collection: Clean Catch, Finger Stick,
Venipuncture, Butterfly Stick
• Nutritional & Metabolic Monitoring (Diabetes,
Glucose Monitoring)
Licensure & Certifications:
• California RN – License #95410352 Nov 2025
• Tennessee RN – License #119691 Apr 2029
• Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association Mar 2027 Education:
Columbia State Community College – Franklin, TN Oct 1998
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Professional Experience:
Dream Care of Prescott – Prescott, AZ Jan 2024 – Jan 2025 Behavioral/Psychiatric Nurse Charge RN
Facility Type: Behavioral Health Residential Facility Bed Size: 40
Patient Ratio: 1:8
• Oversaw the care delivery for residents with behavioral health diagnoses, including PTSD, substance use disorders, and personality disorders.
• Conducted intake assessments, developed individualized treatment plans, and coordinated care with interdisciplinary teams.
• Monitored residents for signs of crisis, medication side effects, and behavioral changes, providing immediate intervention when necessary.
• Ensured compliance with safety standards, privacy laws, and mental health facility regulations, including HIPAA and other relevant policies.
• Provided mentorship and support to LPNs and mental health techs to enhance team performance, improving patient outcomes.
• Administered prescribed medications and managed the medication administration process in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Developed and led therapeutic groups, promoting patient engagement and progress toward treatment goals.
• Assisted with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
• Conducted regular care rounds and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and made adjustments as necessary.
• Skilled in assessing and documenting sedation levels, patient tolerance, and post-procedural recovery in compliance with facility protocols and Joint Commission standards.
• Served as a resource for the team, providing guidance on complex patient cases and offering support during high- stress situations.
• Maintained comprehensive patient records, ensuring accurate documentation in compliance with facility and state regulations.
Detention Center Clinic – Arizona Sep 2023 – Dec 2023 Clinical Administrator – Behavioral/Psychiatric – Staff RN Facility Type: Correctional Medical Unit
Bed Size: 20
Patient Ratio: 1:5
• Managed inmate detoxification protocols, withdrawal symptoms, and provided care for substance use disorders and alcohol dependency.
• Implemented and monitored 5150/involuntary psychiatric hold protocols, including seclusion and restraint procedures as needed.
• Administered and monitored psychotropic medications; tracked side effects, including EPS symptoms and behavioral changes.
• Facilitated crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and assaultive behavior management in collaboration with custody officers.
• Coordinated and led patient education and group therapy sessions, addressing topics such as anger management, medication adherence, and coping strategies.
• Assisted with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) preparation and recovery for inmates receiving off-site psychiatric treatments.
Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute – Nashville, TN Jun 2023 – Aug 2023 Psychiatric Staff Nurse & Nurse Educator
Facility Type: State Psychiatric Hospital
Bed Size: Approx. 200
Patient Ratio: 1:8
• Delivered therapeutic care to adult psychiatric patients with acute and chronic mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, MDD, and dual diagnoses.
• Led therapeutic interventions, de-escalated crises, and implemented suicide/self-harm precautions in high-risk patients.
• Administered and titrated psychotropic medications; closely monitored for side effects, efficacy, and signs of non- compliance.
• Collaborated with psychiatric providers, social workers, therapists, and case managers in interdisciplinary care meetings.
• Served as a Nurse Educator, conducting clinical orientation, training modules, and preceptorship for newly hired nurses and CNAs.
• Educated patients on medication adherence, self-care techniques, coping strategies, and relapse prevention to support long-term stability.
• Maintained meticulous documentation of behaviors, interventions, and patient responses to ensure compliance with Joint Commission and state regulatory standards.
Mckendree Village – Nashville, TN Apr 2013 – Jun 2023 Rehabilitation/Psychiatric Nurse Charge RN Skilled Nursing Long-Term Care Facility Type: Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Rehab Bed Size: 50 Trauma Level: Level I
Patient Ratio: 1:15
• Performed advanced wound care, tracheostomy management, colostomy care, enteral feeding, and diabetic management.
• Oversaw medication administration, documentation, and adherence to facility infection control policies.
• Trained and mentored junior nurses and CNAs to elevate care standards and improve patient outcomes.
• Provided discharge education and support to patients and families to facilitate safe transitions of care.
• Monitored psychiatric symptoms, initiated behavioral interventions, and ensured adherence to individualized mental health care plans.
• Demonstrated competency in procedural sedation including patient preparation, medication administration, and continuous monitoring of vital signs and respiratory status.
• Responded to medical and behavioral emergencies, including falls, seizures, elopement risks, and psychiatric crises.
• Conducted routine assessments including neurological checks, fall risk evaluations, and skin integrity assessments.
• Led daily shift handoffs, ensured accurate patient reporting, and updated interdisciplinary teams during care plan meetings.
Additional information provide upon request