Deana Kearns

Deana Kearns has a diverse and extensive work experience in the healthcare industry. Deana started their career as a Staff Nurse at St. Mary's Medical Center in 1982 and then moved on to work at Duke University Health System, where they held various positions such as Staff Registered Nurse, Flight Nurse, and Research Assistant. After that, they worked as the Director of Nursing at Montgomery Memorial Hospital from 1989 to 1992. Deana then joined Stanly Community College as a Clinical Instructor for a year. In 1994, Deana started working at FirstHealth of the Carolinas, where they served as a Clinical Educator/Staff Nurse, AHA Life Support Training Center Coordinator, Interim Director, Clinical Director, and most recently as the Administrative Director. Throughout their career, they also had roles at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College as a CCEMTP Instructor, Pinehurst Rheumatology as an Infusion Nurse, and Cor Therapeutics as a Nurse Educator.

Deana Kearns holds a Master of Science (MS) degree in Nursing Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, which was obtained from 1999 to 2001. Deana also has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from the University of Evansville, attained from 1978 to 1982. Additionally, they attended Harlaxton College in 1980 for Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse studies. Deana Kearns has obtained various certifications throughout their career, including being a Certified Facilitator from DDI | Development Dimensions International since 2022, and they are a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.