Dr. Debra E. Kelly is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at MGH Institute of Health Professions. Prior to her faculty appointment, Debra served as Academic Support Counselor for the school.

Dr. Kelly has been an RN for 25 years, starting her nursing career working with pediatric patients at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Perkins School for the Blind. Prior to joining the MGH Institute of Health Professions, she held the position of nursing supervisor at Norwood Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham. Currently, she is working as the Director of Health Services at Perkins School for the Blind. She has also taught as adjunct faculty at both Quincy College and Simmons College.

Dr. Kelly is an active member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), the National League for Nursing (NLN), and the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, where she serves as treasurer.

  • BSN, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT
  • MS, Nursing Administration and Business Management, Regis College, Weston, MA
  • DNP, Regis College, Weston, MA

Dr. Kelly has published numerous papers - some titles are highlighted below. You can view a complete listing of Dr. Kelly's publications in her CV. 

Initiation of New Nurse Preceptor Program in the Era of COVID 19.

The Nurse Practitioner’s Role in Addressing Chronic Sequelae of Lyme Disease as a Climate- Change Vector-Borne Disease.

Occupational heat stress: An overview for nurse practitioners.

Setting the stage: Integrating of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in to a First Semester Class.

Roles of Health Professionals in Addressing Health Consequences of Climate Change in Interprofessional Education.

 

In addition, Dr. Kelly regularly presents at conferences and industry events. Please see her CV for a complete list of presentations.

Webinar: Roles of Health Professionals in Addressing Health Consequences of Climate Change in Interprofessional Education

Symposium: Climate Change and Health 2020: The Public Health Challenge of Our Time.

Advancing a Health Professions Approach to Climate Change and Health Consequences at Eastern Nursing Research Society Annual Meeting. 

Implemented a Preceptor Training Program at Beth Israel Lahey Health Needham.

Academy of Term Lecturers Presentation Incivility in Nursing Education

Contact Information

Awards and Honors

MGB Pillars of Excellence, 2022

ABSN Faculty Group Award. Awarded by Mass General Brigham.

Spirit of Sigma Award. 2022

Recognizes a member(s) who have demonstrated the mission, vision, and values of Sigma Theta Tau

Student-Selected Faculty Pinner, 2020

MGH Institute of Health Professions

Faculty Commencement Marshal, 2018

MGH Institute of Health Professions

Daisy Faculty Award, 2018

First awarded at the Institute in 2016, DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System Foundation. The Foundation established the DAISY Faculty Award® to recognize dedicated nursing faculty who have a profound impact on the future practice of their students through their commitment and inspirational influence.