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Deborah B. Cline

DNP, RN, CNL, OCN, NEA-BC

Track Coordinator, Nursing Leadership

Associate Professor

Department of Graduate Studies

Dr. Debbie Cline, DNP, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, CNL earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Master’s degree in Nursing Administration, and Doctorate of Nursing Practice- Executive track from Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. She holds several certifications including one from the American Nurse Credentialing Center as a Nurse Executive Advanced, one from the Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation as an Oncology Certified Nurse, and one from the Commission in Nurse Certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader. Dr. Cline has over 22 years experiences as a registered nurse with a clinical background in Stem Cell Transplantation for the adult inpatient population. During her time as a clinical nurse, she spent several years involved in shared governance and peer review prior to her transitioning in 2008 to focus on workforce development programs. She has an extensive background in program and project development, implementation, and team leadership focusing on recruitment and retention of clinical staff, as well as Magnet recognition and residency accreditation. She has published and presented on varying topics including clinical nurse residency development and outcomes, leadership development, and the importance of organizational membership. She also frequently participates as a volunteer for several organizations and professional organization special project groups. Dr. Cline is full time graduate faculty at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston.

Education

Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX
DNP – Executive Leadership
2019

Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX
MSN – Administration and Leadership
2009

Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX
BSN
2000
- Cum Laude

Houston Community College, Houston, Texas
AD – Applied Science
- Honors

Clinical/Research Focus

Leadership; Nurse Residency; Oncology Nursing; Retention Programs.