Women in Business: Stacia Dean

Residence: Rogers

Education: B.S., nursing, University of Arkansas

Professional background: Dean is a registered nurse and has worked in the healthcare industry for more than 23 years. In her existing role, she is the clinical services manager for all primary care clinics at UAMS in Northwest Arkansas.

What was your dream job as a kid and why? My dream job was to be someone who positively impacted and improved the lifestyles of people in my community. My family works in the medical field, so I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in some capacity in medicine and help others.

What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishments or wins in your current job? Developing new ways in which those I care for can enhance their personal and professional experiences. Positively impacting the lives of those I work with and continuing to enlighten my family and those around me.

What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? I love what I do. I enjoy being involved with patient care and process improvement. I always want to look for new ways to provide outstanding care. If it aligns with my personal challenges, then that is a win-win.

What is a leader’s best asset? Communication, respect for others and being open to new ideas.

How do you spend your time away from work? What are your hobbies? My husband and I have been married 25 years, and we have two amazing children we are very proud of. We focus on trying to honor the same family values our parents instilled upon us. If we have any time, it’s spent as a family.

What’s your biggest passion and why? I went into the medical field because I enjoy helping others. I’ve been fortunate to have a caring, devoted, and supportive family who value hard work and dedication.

What is something distinctive that people would be surprised to know about you? I change the oil and blades myself on our riding mower and enjoy working outside.

What’s the best way to encourage productive collaboration? Ownership. Without ownership and appreciation, it’s almost impossible to achieve collaboration.

Can you recommend a book that has had an influence on your career? How did it influence you? I received the book “The Nurse Leader Coach” by Rose O. Sherman as a gift from a mentor whom I have great respect for.

What advice would you give young women who are currently at the beginning of their careers? Seek out opportunities, learn as much as you can and work hard. Become a subject matter expert. Focus upon that which improves the patient experience. Personal advancement will come with expertise and accomplishment.

Can you share what you have learned about your business from the COVID-19 pandemic? Perseverance is something we learn in a time of crisis. We are always capable of more than we have done before.

What’s your favorite app at the moment? Walmart Online Pickup and Delivery. I may never set foot in a Walmart again.

If you have a bucket list, what are the top three things on it? Seeing my children be happy and successful adults. Living a long and loving life with my husband. And ending my career in such a way that my peers say, “She did it right.”