Albuquerque Public Schools
APS Nurse Receives Distinguished Service Award
Deborah Hill honored at New Mexico School Nurses Association conference.
Deborah Hill, an Albuquerque Public Schools resource nurse for chronic health, was honored with the Marlene McDowell Distinguished Service Award at the New Mexico School Nurses Association annual conference held this June in Red River.
"Receiving this award is both humbling and deeply meaningful as I near the close of nearly 40 years in nursing, public health and spiritual care," Hill said. "This recognition reflects not just my work, but the work of my colleagues and the impact of students and families who have shaped and inspired me throughout my career."
Hill received the recognition for her evidence-based guidance to APS and her commitment to student health and wellness, particularly through her ongoing collaboration with the New Mexico Department of Health.
"She is perpetually striving to find ways to better serve the students and families in the state," said Cheri Brubaker, the executive director of Nursing Services at APS. "She has served and continues to serve with distinction."
Brubaker said Hill has had an "incredibly positive impact" on students and on her fellow school nurses with her willingness to share "work smarter, not harder" ideas. She noted that Hill has also done a stellar job of managing, organizing and updating the APS Nursing manual.
"While doing this work, she has gotten involved with providing suggestions for the New Mexico School Health Manual and worked tirelessly on getting the Diabetes order set updated and revised, taking into consideration the input of providers, school nurses and the team at the Department of Health," Brubaker added.
The Marlene McDowell Distinguished Service Award is presented to registered school nurses who demonstrate exceptional advocacy for children’s health care access, promote the well-being of school children, and uphold the professional goals and philosophy of the New Mexico School Nurses Association.
Hill said her time at APS, which included a stint at Bandelier Elementary, has been rewarding.
"I have valued supporting fellow nurses and building connections across New Mexico to strengthen student care," she said. "Supporting the health and wellbeing of children, families and vulnerable communities and collaborating with others has truly been the heart of my work."