Michelle Dickinson, Operating Room Charge Nurse at Day Kimball Hospital, has been named employee of the month for August by Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH).

Dickinson began her career in the operating room sixteen years ago with Hubbard Regional Hospital in Webster, MA and UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester, MA before joining DKH in 2004. In her role as Operating Room Charge Nurse, Dickinson is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day processes of operating room activities and anticipating the needs of the surgical team. Additional responsibilities include managing and assisting the nursing staff, providing administrative support and patient care, and serving as a resource for her colleagues.

As a certified perioperative nurse, Dickinson holds a CNOR certification; a documented validation meaning that she has demonstrated the knowledge and skills that denote competency in the specialized field of perioperative nursing.

According to Dickinson’s supervisor, Director of Surgical Services, Cheryl Petrarca, “Michelle truly embodies all the qualities of a professional nurse. She possesses outstanding clinical and critical thinking skills, she communicates safety and quality concerns effectively, and she always advocates for the patient. What impresses me most about Michelle is her commitment to her profession and her ability to see the potential in each person she works with. These are the traits of a true leader; one who strengthens her team.”

Dickinson was recognized by her colleagues with a “penguin pin” for her outstanding team work. As noted by comments from several of her peers, “Michelle jumps right in to help without hesitation.” “She consistently demonstrates a positive attitude when leading the team.” “Michelle takes the time to share her knowledge and mentors others.”

When asked what she likes most about her job, Dickinson said, “My coworkers are a great group of people who I really enjoy working with. We work well together and they make coming to work fun and pleasurable.”

Dickinson was born in Worcester, MA and grew up in Oxford, MA. She currently resides in Charlton, MA with her spouse, Michael and their children, Mikaylee and Emma. She earned an associate’s degree in Business Administration and an associate’s degree, in Nursing, both from Becker College in Worcester, MA.

PHOTO CAPTION: DKH Employee of the Month, Michelle Dickinson (seated) with her colleagues at her Employee of the Month Celebration held August 28 at Day Kimball Hospital.