DaLee Stratton

I’ve been through many challenges throughout my life, ranging from burying 2 of my children at separate times, to suffering a near fatal stroke in 2024. Life is truly what you make of it. I have allowed the struggles that I’ve endured to create a drive like no other. When you want to move forward in your life, your career, etc, the only person who can make that happen is YOU. No one is going to come and save you, learn to be your own knight in shining armor!

My grandmother was my absolute best friend. She is truly the one who planted the seed of service in my heart. When I was a child, she was the Director of Nursing at our local long term care center. When the weather was too bad for the CNA’s to make it in to work, I helped my grandmother feed the residents, I couldn’t be more than 9 when this began. I joke that I came out of the womb with a stethoscope around my neck, because I feel that I was destined to care for others. Well before I was of age to choose a career path, my grandmother said something to me, that will stick with me forever. She said, “You can be whatever you want to be in life, but remember to choose wisely so that you can always support yourself.” Those words have stuck with me my entire life and serve as an important reminder that I am a strong, independent woman, and I don’t need anyone to come save me.

God gave us two hands, so that we could better serve others. You are enough, just build the courage within yourself to take that leap of faith. In the healthcare industry, it is essential to educate yourself on the perspective of the patient and think about where they’re coming from. Meet them where they are and use that as the foundation to elevate the care that you provide. Doing so will catch like wildfire and position you well to be a leader. Never give up when things get hard, you can do hard things!

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving as new technologies surface on a daily basis. Even though it’s hard, embrace those changes and educate yourself on the rationale behind those changes, use that information as a driving force to accept new ways of doing things. Be your own biggest cheerleader. Healthcare is highly competitive, stay humble. Lead with heart and the rest will fall into place.

God is the foundation of anything and everything in my life. In fact, I start my day around 4 am, with a big cup of coffee and a daily devotional. It’s important to me to start each day with a grateful heart. We are the keepers of our own joy. We are the ones who ultimately decide if we’re going to let someone steal our joy or not.

I walk into each day choosing to see the best in everyone. I pray that my children will share the same philosophy as they grow, knowing that it is something that has been cultivated in them their entire lives. Show up as the best version of yourself every single day!