Dean Howerton is one of the very best nurses or charge nurses I have worked with in 30 years! He has the skill of knowing exactly when and how much to involve each of his staff, and when to get my attention immediately as the nocturnist ER physician. 

Last night, for example, while busy with multiple other critically ill patients, he pulled me aside to help urgently with a patient who was diaphoretic, tachycardic, with next extended and clearly in distress. He accurately made the presumptive diagnosis of likely dystonic reaction, which guided me toward accurate testing and treatment. Within minutes of administering Benadryl and Toradol, the patient's symptoms resolved, and he was grateful.

All the while, Dean showed the utmost compassion and acted expeditiously. Each night, I have the opportunity to work with Dean, and I feel fortunate. I feel he deserves this recognition every day.