Debra Callender

Debra Callender holds a Doctoral, Masters, BSN, AAS degrees in nursing and education. Ms. Callender is the Administrative Director of Surgical and Orthopedic Services at Advent Health Sebring. She previously practiced as a QA/PI Manager, and Director of Perioperative Services in NJ Level-I Trauma Center, a Surgical Oncology Clinical RN-II, NYC. She’s actively involved in nursing education for over 10 years, mentoring LPNs, RNs, and BSNs students. Held academic roles as Clinical Lab Technician, Professor of Nursing at MEC-CUNY and OR Core Mgr. Ms. Callender holds many certifications; CNOR, CSSM, Executive Nursing Leadership; Wharton School of Business; University of Pennsylvania, Mastery; surgical service management, SPD management and successfully completed Nursing Director Fellowship; AONL. She is a member of AORN, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), ONS, NLN, ANA, ANCC, AHA/AONL and inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).  

Ms. Callender was a speaker at the 2022 AORN Expo and Conference, published articles and book; in 2022, 2019, 2015, awarded in 2015, 2013, and 2012 at AORN Congress for excellence in Clinical Innovation. She served as the monthly newsletter author, and Chair/Magnet Champion, Recruitment, Retention and Reward (RRR) committee and developed patient safety program to reduce RFB, NYC. Ms. Callender implemented AORN PeriOp-101 program in NJ, developing the education modules for onboarding 1st and 2nd year medical students at Rutgers University, NJ.  Including mandatory in-service module for Medical Resident, served as a subject matter expert for various nursing clinical lectures and skills in NYC, is the Founding President of the Hilda Richards Nursing Club in NY and currently the President of Central Florida AORN Chapter #1024. Ms. Callender is passionate about mentoring others, facilitating growth and development to inspire all who she encounters.