Michael Dean
August 2022
Michael
Dean
,
RN
PAT, PACU, Prep & Recovery
Grandview Medical Center
Birmingham
,
AL
United States

 

 

 

Michael is a compassionate nurse who puts his patients and their families’ needs first at all times.
Michael has been a vital member of the Grandview family for over 22 years. Throughout his years of service, he has filled various roles and excelled at the work set before him. Currently, Michael is the director of surgical services over Pre-Admission Testing, Prep and Recovery, and PACU. Michael has been described in the following ways:

“I have been working closely with Michael for two years now, and I continue to be impressed by his hard work as well as his resourcefulness. The last two years have presented a unique set of challenges, especially in the procedural areas in early to mid-2020 when new pre-procedural test requirements were beginning. Michael was an enormous part of our facility rising to the occasion to continue to care for our community. Michael is dependable and as an added bonus, he makes me laugh even when we're navigating the biggest of challenges! Michael, I greatly appreciate you and everything you do!”

***

“He has been a constant light for me at Grandview. He always finds a way to make me smile and offer his support to me. On countless occasions I have witnessed him work into the late evening to support his staff. He does not hesitate to go up to the floor and pick up a mop so that a dirty room may be made clean for a postoperative patient. He tries to put up a front like he doesn't care but he really has a huge heart and I just love him to death.”

***

“When asked to share my thoughts on Michael Dean it was an easy task to accomplish. He embodies passion and dedication, not just to the nursing profession but to each and every person fortunate enough to call him 'Boss'. He’s respectful of everyone’s individuality and has often said that the unique strengths that each of us bring to the table are what makes us such a great team. I beg to differ. It is Michael Dean’s leadership. He wears many hats and there’s not a role he’s not willing to fill or a task too big for him to complete when it comes to ensuring that the needs of his staff and the patients are being met. He’s my “Yes Man” because there’s rarely an occasion that he tells me no. It’s always "Whatever you need, I’ll see what I can do," or "I’m on it." He’s PACU’s facilitator; there’s not a problem I present him with that he can’t handle or get handled expeditiously. Whether it’s procuring beds to ensure there’s no delay in reuniting patients with their families postoperatively, acting as EVS to ready rooms for the patients’ stay, or physically transporting patients to their next phase of recovery, he gets the job done. Michael Dean is the heart and soul of PACU- his hard work, dedication, and commitment inspires greatness in us all.”

***

“If you asked me who is my boss man and I said Michael, you wouldn’t know who I was talking about. But if I said ‘Michael Dean, then everyone would know who I am talking about. Nobody knows him by Michael or Mr. Dean, it’s only Michael Dean. You can’t just describe him as a wonderful guy. Someone like him deserves way better. As a Grandview employee, he is a leader, an advocate, a mentor. He goes above and beyond his role. Housekeeper, transporter, manager are just a few. He is the guy that will quote you Joan Crawford in Mommy Dearest, and in the same breath, give advice on doing your job. He may be singing Rhianna in his head, but he’s also thinking of ways to better his department. He’s a friend that can tell you the best books to read or where to get an amazing Indian dish. He will tell you how to make kimchi pancakes while also letting you know when improvements need to be made in your area. I can’t say enough about how grateful I am to be a part of his team. I just know that there is no other place, nor no better of a person to work with.”

***

“I have known Michael for over 11 years now. He was actually my preceptor when I was in nursing school, (on paper that is). After graduation there were no jobs open on his unit, but he helped me get a job on 7 Main at Trinity. When a job came open on Short Stay, I guess he felt confident enough in the skills that everyone else had taught me to let me come and work for him. Even though we have worked in separate units through the years, we always seem to find a way back to each other and I wouldn't want it any other way. Michael has always had an open door policy which has made him easy to talk to and makes the work environment a better place. I am so proud of Michael for receiving this award and I am glad that I was placed with him all those years ago. Congratulations!”

***

“How lucky we are to have a manager like Michael Dean? It’s indescribable. He is everything you could ever ask for in a manager. He is the difference between a good workplace and a bad workplace. He effortlessly keeps the morale afloat in this PACU, checks on his people no matter what is going on, and he always has a smile on his face. I truly could not ask for a better manager and the team he has built here in the surgical services area. Team player, problem solver, and one of my favorite room cleaning sidekicks; he’s the go-to guy. Never shameful if you have a problem you need help with, always boosts you up when you’re down, and the best listening ear. This hospital is exponentially better to have him in it. He advocates for us fiercely for what we need. Always shows up. Could truly not ask for anything more from him. We are so grateful.”

***

“I have known Michael for 10 years. I have watched him excel from a charge nurse, to his current role. Michael is one of a kind in my book. He is respectful, attentive to his employees’ concerns, fair in judgement, and very encouraging. On a personal level, Michael has been a godsend to me. Thank you, I will be forever grateful to you. God bless you.”

***

“I have personally known Michael for over 20 years as a co-worker, charge nurse, unit manager, and friend. Michael is a compassionate nurse who puts his patients and their families’ needs first at all times. His willingness to pitch in and do any job to help make his units run smooth is what I admire most about him. On any given day you’ll see him pushing stretchers and even cleaning rooms. You’ll never hear him say "That’s not my job." He works hard and carries himself in a polite and respectable manner at all times. I admire his quick wit and sense of humor. It helps make a stressful day easier for us all when we can laugh and joke with each other.”

***

Michael has created an environment of trust and respect sprinkled with humor and wit. He is fun, accessible, approachable, available, supportive, and goes over and beyond to help his team. His staff are confident that he has their back and best interest, and stands up for them. We are honored to present Michael with the 2022 DAISY Nurse Leader Award, so that we may shine a light on how much he means to so many.