Her Story
About Danielle
Danielle Vega serves as Regional Director of Nursing and Partnerships for the Southern Territories of New Jersey with Grace Healthcare. She entered the field in 2007 as an LPN after prior roles as a CNA and PCT, advancing through RN certification and earning her MSN. Her education includes studies at Pinellas County Technical Institute for her LPN, St. Petersburg College in Largo, Florida for her RN, Grand Canyon University for her bachelor's degree, and Walden University for her master's, where she is preparing to sit for nurse practitioner boards. Certified in hospice and palliative care through the ANCC, Danielle has worked in the hospice industry since 2017. She is a member of the American Legion for 20 years and the American Legion Lady Auxiliary Post 173 in Holiday, Florida, where she supports veterans through fundraising and assistance initiatives. In her leadership role, she emphasizes staff education, quality compliance, team support, and open communication while prioritizing values such as being a team player and meeting patients and families where they are in their journey.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Danielle
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Meet patients where they are. Oftentimes, especially in home care and hospice, the understanding of a patient's family, where they're at in their grieving, in their anticipatory grief, in their journey. We might not understand it, but we have to kind of break it down and meet them where they are, and then support them through that process.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd be open to the education, things change within this industry on a daily basis. You have to be fluid and you have to be able to move and expect that change. That's the only thing that's consistent. Be a constant learner, never become stagnant within the field, continue to push yourself to the next level. Just as I have, I started as a PC CNA, became an LPN, an RN, have my MSN, and then find your specialty and find your niche, and move within that field. Mine happened to be hospice and palliative care. Never take anything personally. You're gonna meet barriers, but you have to be strong and learn how to overcome them. Never settle, always push yourself to the next level, and be willing and open to learn.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Contributing as a team player, understanding, being able to prioritize clinically where the need is and how to move forward, providing education and making sure that the team has the tools that they need to be successful. It's all about open lines of communication and a level of transparency so that the team knows that you're there with them, and that you're hearing what they're saying.
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