Debra Richards obtained her Associate Degree in Nursing from Jefferson State Community College and after several years of practice, returned to complete her BSN at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Starting her nursing career in the Medical Intensive Care Unit as a staff nurse and later becoming the charge nurse on the night shift, she has worked in California, Rhode Island, and New Jersey as a travel nurse in the areas of Critical Care, Medical-Surgical, and Nursing Administration. Debra utilizes her years of experience to support learners throughout TruMont’s Preceptor-Mentor Development Program as a Faculty Coach.

Debra retired from her role as the night shift House Supervisor for Grandview Medical Center, a 402-bed tertiary care hospital in Birmingham, AL, in 2025 after 34 years. She is currently enjoying retirement and spending time with her Mom, grandkids, and siblings.