Della Dean, RN, a nurse at Piedmont Newnan Hospital for nearly three decades, was awarded the Georgia Hospital Heroes Award Nov. 11 at the Georgia Hospital Association’s annual meeting.
Dean, who was one of only 10 individuals statewide to receive the award, was recognized for her daily dedication to her job and patients.
“When a patient looks at you and says ‘I’m so glad you were here for me because you made this so much easier,’ it’s worth every minute,” said Dean, manager of the outpatient infusion at Piedmont Newnan. “It is a very big honor to have this recognition.”
Dean has practiced nursing for 35 years, 28 of which have been at Piedmont Newnan. She has worked in the hospital’s outpatient infusion center for the past eight years. Prior to that, she worked in the emergency department. No matter where she has worked in the hospital, she has always been known to do whatever it takes to ensure that patients not only receive the best care, but that they feel comforted. She makes a point to connect with patients on a personal level, asking about their lives outside of the hospital in addition to knowing what they need to be as healthy as possible.
“I’ve worked with Della now for 17 years and watching Della and learning from her all of these years has made me a better leader,” said Vicki Kaiser, executive director of oncology, support services & community affairs at Piedmont Newnan. “She reconnects me with the reason that we’re here – to make lives better. She is truly a hero and we’re all so proud of her.”
There are many examples of Dean going above and beyond for patients. She frequently stays late and talks with doctors about patient treatment and calls patients after hours to give them the information she knows they are waiting for. She has also been known to postpone or cancel vacations that have been planned long in advance, all because caring for her patients is the most important thing to her.
“We are thankful for Della Dean’s extraordinary commitment to the patients at Piedmont Newnan Hospital,” said GHA President and CEO Earl Rogers. “In addition, her strong leadership skills have created an outstanding culture of care. She is most deserving of this award.”
