February 2022
Deanna Mackey '12
DEGREES:
B.S. Nursing
College of Health & Human Services
CURRENT OCCUPATION
Clinical Review Nurse Specialist
DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH
My first nursing job after graduation and receiving my registered nurse license was on a behavioral health unit. It wasn't my first choice, but it allowed me to get a different type of nursing experience that still resonates with me today. After a year of working on that unit, I transferred to a medical-surgical/telemetry unit for one year within the same hospital. I gained a lot of hands-on clinical experience that prepared me to become a better nurse. Then, I transferred to another hospital to work on an observation unit in hopes of eventually transferring to labor and delivery. Unfortunately, I never got that experience. After a year and a half, I transferred to the operating room as a circulator/scrub nurse. This too was an interesting experience, but not for me. I ultimately decided to transfer out of the hospital scene and work in health insurance; I've been there ever since. The beneficial aspect of nursing is that there are so many avenues and specialties to experience, and it allows you to be more educated in your field. In hopes of inspiring someone else following a similar journey or currently in health care, I recently had my self-help/autobiography book, Nursing At Its Finest, published. I discuss my personal journey, including the challenges that I faced. It is a book of encouragement, with the purpose to motivate the reader to continue to push forward with their dreams and aspirations.
MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED WHILE ATTENDING SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
Nursing school is a whole different beast. It definitely challenges you in ways that you would never imagine. I had always been an A/B student and barely had to study for tests to still maintain those grades. After that first nursing exam, I learned really fast that this was not your typical coursework. Attending nursing school taught me better time management and critical thinking skills.
WHAT CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH?
I was the second degree representative of the Student Nurse Association (SNA).
BEST COLLEGE MEMORY
My best college memory at Salisbury is when I completed my community health internship. It allowed me to gain more perspective for individuals in different socioeconomic settings in which I would otherwise not be privy to. It gave me a hands-on experience that I am forever grateful for.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY?
I had always wanted to be a nurse, and after being waitlisted twice from my first college’s nursing program, I had to start looking for second degree nursing programs. I wanted to attend a school that had a high pass rate, including a fast-paced program since I had already completed four years of college. After looking at the curriculum and time it would take me to achieve that, I knew Salisbury University was the place for me to do just that.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
I would say challenging because my professors definitely pushed us to be better prepared for real-life situations. Secondly, athletic because they really admire and appreciate their athletes. Lastly, educational because they provide a plethora of programs for their students. I learned a lot of things in my courses that I wouldn't have learned elsewhere.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT AND WHY?
My favorite vacation spot is the Bahamas. It’s not only a vacation, but a home away from home since my dad’s side of the family is from there and lives there.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
My daughter would be my greatest accomplishment because she allowed me to become an even better, more mature individual. I strive to be better every day because of her. I would also include becoming a Registered Nurse and getting my first book published.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I actually have a creative eye. As a kid, I used to watch cartoons all day and draw all the characters; I still have all of my drawings. I even was featured in an art gallery for my middle school art class drawing. I’m a DIY type of person; if it’s something I can manage on my own, I’d rather make it myself than buy it.
HOBBIES/OTHER INTERESTS
When I have the time to indulge in anything other than work, I enjoy working out, drawing, traveling, reading and, of course, family time.