Deborah L. Dillon

Dr. Deborah L. Dillon is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program at Duquesne University’s School of Nursing. With over 20 years of clinical expertise in cardiac electrophysiology, she previously held academic roles at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on nurse practitioner transition-to-practice challenges, cardiac care, and gastrointestinal pharmacology. Dillon is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) and the American Academy of Nursing, and a recipient of the President’s Prestigious Scholar award (2023).

Education:

• DNP, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University (2015)
• MSN, Post-Master’s Certificate in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Kent State University (2000)
• MSN, Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of Pittsburgh (1991)
• BSN, Youngstown State University (1986)
• Nursing Diploma, Sharon Regional Hospital School of Nursing (1979)

Research Interests:

• Cardiac electrophysiology and acute care nursing
• Gastroenterology pharmacotherapy pathways
• Systemic support for nurse practitioner transition to clinical practice
• Healthcare policy influencing nurse practitioner autonomy
• End-of-life care coordination for cardiac device patients

Grants & Research Contributions:

• NIH-funded studies as a coordinator: AFFIRM (atrial fibrillation management), SCDHeFT (sudden cardiac death in heart failure)
• Industry-sponsored trials: Cardiac resynchronization therapy
• Leadership in developing transition-to-practice frameworks and wearable technology applications in nursing

Awards:

• Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing
• Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
• FAANP Mentorship Fellowship Program (2017-2018)
• President’s Prestigious Scholar (2022, 2023)
• Case Western Reserve University Mentors Fellows Program

Professional Activities:

• Author of Successful Transition to Practice: A Guide for the New Nurse Practitioner (McGraw Hill, 2020)
• Book chapters on clinical simulations and acute care nursing
• Presenter at national/international forums including AANP, AAAN, and the American Heart Association
• Guest lecturer on healthcare policy and nurse practitioner roles