Karla Jackson

I attribute my success to a strong relationship with my creator & passion for helping others and my ability to adapt to challenges. Starting my career in healthcare in 2017, I began as a resident assistant and nurse technician, where I learned the importance of patient care and empathy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I pushed myself beyond limits while caring for over 30 residents alone, which reinforced my commitment to this field. This experience led me to patient advocacy and case management, where I’ve quickly advanced due to my dedication and continuous learning. In just 18 months, I moved from a Benefit Verification Specialist to a Case Manager, driven by a desire to ensure every patient receives the care they deserve.

One of my first mentors told me this when I hesitated to take on a new leadership role. She said, “You don’t have to be fearless to grow—you just have to move forward anyway.” That advice changed everything. I stopped waiting to feel ready and started saying yes to opportunities that scared me. Growth lives right on the edge of fear. “Never lose your why.” In healthcare, the work can be demanding—physically, mentally, and emotionally. A senior nurse once told me, “When the days get heavy, remember who you’re doing it for.” That simple reminder keeps me grounded. My “why” has always been compassion—making sure people feel cared for and heard. It’s what guides me when things get tough. “Stay humble enough to learn and confident enough to lead.” A field manager I deeply respect gave me this advice during a period of rapid growth. I was moving up quickly, and he said, “Don’t let speed make you forget to pause and learn.” It reminded me that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about listening, learning, and leading with grace.

The best career advice I’ve received came from a senior nurse who said, “When the days get heavy, remember who you’re doing it for.” It’s a reminder to stay grounded in compassion, especially when things get tough. Another key piece of advice was from a field manager: “Stay humble enough to learn and confident enough to lead.” It reminded me that leadership is about listening, learning, and leading with empathy, not just knowing all the answers. Im also a strong advocate of self care. This field can take a lot out of you, and you can easily hurn out.. Take the time to do whatever replenishes your soul. For me, thats quiet moments of meditation at the beach & landscaping.

The biggest challenges in healthcare right now stem from staffing shortages and the ongoing struggle to find quality workers. This is a field where passion and compassion are essential—you can’t just clock in for a paycheck. When COVID hit, I faced some of the toughest moments of my career, caring for patients alone, pushing through exhaustion, and holding everything together in an incredibly uncertain time. Those experiences shaped my resilience and deepened my commitment to the work. In a way, those difficult seasons prepared me for my greatest impact. They reminded me why this profession is so vital: it’s not just about providing care, but truly connecting with and supporting people during some of their most challenging moments.

Spirituality,empathy, service, and community are core values in both my professional and personal life. I believe in the power of teamwork and mentorship, and that leadership is about uplifting others. During the pandemic, empathy was my anchor, and I’ve learned that caring for others starts with caring for yourself.