Deborah Shields (Class of 2020)
Deborah Shields exemplifies the definition of nursing excellence by demonstrating caring, holistic practice at every level. Her passion is infectious. Her dedication to holistic nursing and education has made, and continues to make, a significant impact throughout the entire nursing community.
Shields is a tenured professor of nursing at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. She continues to practice at the bedside as a perioperative staff nurse at Doctor’s Hospital in Columbus, where she has worked since 1980. Shields also works as a systems educator for OhioHealth and has a private practice as a Therapeutic Touch practitioner and educator.
Shields brings her passion for holistic care into everything she does and was instrumental in integrating this holistic philosophy into nursing courses at Capital University. Her work led to all Capital University nursing programs receiving endorsement from American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation in 2009. She continues to serve as a mentor for students who share her passion for the holistic paradigm and to serve as a leader in nursing professional development. Her member appointments include being a member of the Continuing Education Council for Ohio Nurses Association, the CE Advisory Group for the Ohio Board of Nursing, nurse peer review leader (American Holistic Nurses Association), and lead nurse planner (AHNA).
Shields is active in state and national professional associations, serving on various committees and councils, and earning state and national recognition. Her awards and honors in central Ohio include, but are not limited to: the Mid-Ohio District Nurses Association (MODNA) Expert in Nursing Care Award (2017), Cameo of Caring Award (2005), Prism Award for Compassion – OhioHealth (2001, 2005) and Clinical Excellence Award – Doctor’s Hospital (1992). She is a past president of the Central Ohio Chapter of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Nationally, Shields has been named Holistic Nurse of the Year by AHNA (2009) and was the first recipient of the AHNA Service Award (2013).
Beginning her career as a graduate practical nurse (Columbus School of Practical Nursing) in 1971, Shields went on to earn her ADN from Marion State (1976), BSN from Ohio University (1980), MS in Nursing from Wright State University (1986) and her PhD in Holistic Nursing Science from Union Institute and University (2008).