The top nurse with St. Joseph of the Pines Health System is a towering figure in the organization's goal to imprint itself as the foremost provider of skilled nursing care.

"Robert Dickson, R.N., is deserving of all the praise I can give him, not only because of his knowledge, leadership skills, and relationship with residents, but because he displays the kind of outstanding qualities that can only be found in a person who has answered a calling to better the lives of those they touch," says Prentice Lipsey, St. Joseph of the Pines administrator of health services. "All too often, members of management are overlooked for the contributions they bring to the table, but I am a firm believer in rewarding individuals who make a difference. St. Joseph of the Pines Health Center has become a better place over the last two years, in large part thanks to the efforts of Robert's outstanding leadership."

St. Joseph officials say he has driven skilled nursing care to a new level of performance and accountability.

"Robert is an influential change agent. He has been able to take a once struggling nursing program and turn it into a program that is built on the premise of fostering personal connections with residents and family members," Lipsey says.

In less than two years, Dickson has managed to implement several programs at the Health Center that preserve the dignity of the health system's frail and aging population.

Dickson's initiation of restorative programming; bathing without a battle; falling stars program; and the no-lift policy, has taken St. Joseph of the Pines Health Center well into a change in ideology about the care of the elderly.

As the promoter of the Health Center's new social model of care, known as the Household Model, Dickson's lead in developing the processes to create cultural change within the nursing home has won him a remarkable amount of respect. His practical approach to his job is coupled with his fondness for his staff and for the residents in their charge.

"Above and beyond the multitude of day-to-day responsibilities Robert encounters, he takes time every Thursday morning to cook and serve our 20 Memory Support Unit residents," says Lipsey.

In addition, every evening Dickson hosts a popcorn night in front of the large screen television for a handful of Alzheimer's residents who can still savor the taste and thrill of a box of popcorn and a classic movie.

"Robert has redefined what it means to be a nurse in our facility by implementing programs that are person-centered and fun-filled," says Lipsey.

Dickson says that it is "a team effort," and that "it takes quite a number of people participating in new projects to accomplish the goals."

Lipsey maintains it is Dickson's objective in caring for the individual that has helped St. Joseph's Health Center become the third skilled nursing facility in the United States to be approved by CARF -- CCAC for accreditation as a person-centered care facility.

Dickson has used this same approach to make connections with St. Joseph of the Pines associates -- finding ways to bond with each of his nursing employees in different ways. In an area where it is difficult to attract nurses, and where St. Joseph of the Pines must compete with the commanding presence of the region's hospitals for strong managers and devoted nursing assistants, Dickson has done exceptionally well, say St. Joseph officials, at keeping turnover down and encouraging staff to buy in to a two-year transformation that will require direct care staff to become universal workers in the household models of care.

"I've learned so much from Robert since he arrived at St. Joseph's," says Janna Lewis, R.N., clinical supervisor. "He's helped strengthen my leadership capabilities, and I try to emulate his great organizational skills that he uses to astonishing proportions. It didn't take long for him to win over the staff with his whimsical manner.

"The members of the nursing department soon learned there was another side of Robert yet to be uncovered, says Lewis.

"Robert can be relentless when it comes to his expectations of his staff -- always pushing us to do better," says Lewis. "In his dealings with the residents he is warm, dedicated, caring, and above all, he is professional."

An administrator of skilled nursing care facilities will assert that the director of nursing is her/his "right arm."

"I have worked with many directors of nursing, but Robert, by far, exceeds the expectations that any administrator would have for this position," says Lipsey. "Because of his ability to be a proactive care planner, Robert has taught many to become better at critical thinking."

Dickson makes a point to personally conduct daily meetings with his clinical supervisors which has greatly improved communication within the nursing department, and Lipsey sees this effort as having helped resolve issues in the early stages.

Dickson's skills are not specific to nursing either. It is not uncommon to find him fixing leg rests on wheel chairs or even tightening handrails throughout the facility.

"Robert is literally a jack-of-all-trades," says Lipsey. "He has the heart of a social worker and the mindset of a Mr. Fix-It."

As the administrator's "right arm," Dickson embraces the core values and mission of St. Joseph of the Pines. However, he is not to be outdone in the area of antics when a good cause calls for his participation.

Whether it is to raise money for a fund that helps support the needs of associates who may be down on their luck for one reason or another, or to be included in the design of an event to please the nursing home residents, Dickson is sure to dress the part. He will pirouette across stage in a tutu and blond curly wig one day and take the part of a cowboy for Country Western Day another -- being lassoed and tied up -- all the while succumbing to jokes and laughter.

"Robert is known within the facility as a jokester," says Dianne Gilchrest, MDS coordinator. "He gets great joy in sneaking up behind you and saying 'Boo!' He will go that extra mile to receive the desired effect -- having assessed the staff positions to make reassignments that have had a positive effect. And yes, he doesn't mind telling it like it is. When all is said and done, you will know too that Robert -- he's our man. If he can't do it, nobody can."

Jeralie Andrews is the volunteer director at St. Joseph.