Debra J. Wagner

Debra J. Wagner
Debra J. Wagner, 54, of Salisbury, Md., died Saturday at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury.
Born in Butler, she was the daughter of Joseph F. and Joann J. Francestine Huth Jr.
Debra and Bruce Patterson were married Aug. 22, 1992.
Debra began her career at Peninsula General Hospital as a staff nurse in the "PRN" pool. When she accepted this position in May 1974, she was one of fewer than 10 BSN educated nurses working for the hospital. She did well clinically during her initial orientation and was offered a staff position in the ICU in just 3 months. This was a coveted position for a newly graduated RN.
Less that a year after her arrival, Deb was offered and accepted a position as an in-service instructor for the hospital. She excelled in this role and was promoted to the assistant director of nursing education in 1977 and then associate director of nursing for staff development in 1980.
In 1981, she completed her master's degree in nursing at the University of Maryland. She traveled to Baltimore once a week for three years as there was no MSN program available on the shore then, and she worked extra hours on weekends and evenings to meet the requirement for full time employment.
In 1985 she was promoted to assistant vice president of nursing, making her responsible for half of the nursing units in the hospital. After five years in this role, she moved to the director for nursing resources, ensuring that staffing and scheduling was done effectively for all nursing departments.
In 2000, she accepted the directorship for the medical/surgical division. In this role, she was the nursing leader promoting the orthopedic growth team concept of specialization in ortho services; opened the "New" 5 South unit; paved the way for cardiac monitoring in the general medical unit, and emphasized and improved patient satisfaction for all these areas.
In 2003, Debbie was offered and accepted the position as director of special projects for the nursing department. In this role, she was instrumental in advancing the concept of a wound center as a new service for the community and worked closely with physicians and others in making this service a reality.
She was a key resource in many nursing indicatives, including the implementation of online medication documentation.
Finally this year, Deb resigned her position as director after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She continued to work, however, as a nursing supervisor until November. Her cheerful, positive, always "on stage" behavior and attitude continues to be an inspiration to all who knew her.
Debbie also has demonstrated her commitment to outreach activities. She developed the first "drive-thru flu shot clinic" that has become one of the most successful outreach programs, and it has been copied and modeled across the country.
She has served on countless committees for Coastal Hospice and recently was a board member of the Deers Head Center Foundation. Deb was also an ardent supporter of the March of Dimes Walkathon as well as the Festival of Trees.
Debbie has always been unique in her high energy level, her "can do" approach to any project, and her ability to work with diverse groups.
She has consistently gone "above and beyond" in her effort to do the right thing and to represent the Medical Center in the community. As an employee she has exerted her exceptional efforts to making health care excel in our community. She was an extraordinary person.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Bruce Patterson; a daughter, Amanda J. Hilsher and her husband Brian of Baltimore; a son, Timothy E. Patterson of Baltimore; a sister, Sheri L. Naser and her husband, Dr. Glenn Naser, of New York, N.Y.; brothers, Joseph F. Huth III and his wife, Darllene, and William R. Huth and his wife, Diane, all of Butler; two grandchildren; Brayden and Reagan Hilsher of Baltimore; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
WAGNER - Friends of Debra J. Wagner, who died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 5 at Holloway Funeral Home, 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, Md. A celebration of the life of Debra J. Wagner will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 6 at the funeral home with the Rev. Olin Shockley officiating.
Contributions may be made in her memory to the Richard E. Henson Cancer Institute, c/o Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation, 100 E. Carroll St., Salisbury, MD 21804; or to the Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733 Salisbury, MD 21802.
Visit www.hollowayfh.com to send condolences to the family.