Keisha Patton

I attribute my success to the journey I’ve taken throughout my career. I began on a challenging path as a physical therapy assistant, which taught me resilience and adaptability. Later, I transitioned into a staffing coordinator role at Horizon, where I discovered my true strength: building meaningful relationships and earning the trust of the people I work with. My educational background has also been a cornerstone of my growth. I spent four years as a preschool teacher, which reinforced my patience and communication skills, and I earned an associate’s degree from Big Sandy Community and Technical College with a 3.9 GPA, earning a place on the president’s list. I’m proud to have been recognized as a top-rated recruiter in Q1 2023 through Great Recruiters. Beyond my professional achievements, I remain actively involved in my church community, which continues to shape my values and commitment to service.

My determination to excel and go above and beyond comes from the spirit my dad has instilled in me. He is not only a great man, but also a supportive father and friend. I hope everyone has people in their lives who uplift them in the same way my father has uplifted me. As we surround ourselves with those who build us up, we, in turn, can uplift others.

Great question! One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever come across is:

“Focus on building skills, not just titles.”

Titles can change, but the skills you develop—technical, leadership, communication—are what truly open doors and create long-term success. When you invest in learning and adaptability, you stay relevant no matter how industries evolve.

Other timeless advice includes:

• Network intentionally: Relationships often create opportunities before job boards do.

• Seek feedback early and often: It accelerates growth and prevents blind spots.

• Don’t fear lateral moves: Sometimes stepping sideways leads to the biggest leaps forward.

“One of the biggest tips I can share from my experience is this: engage with your providers in a way that makes them feel valued and supported. Let them know you’re only a phone call away. Show them your excitement about them joining the team and your commitment to their success—not just in their career, but in life. That personal connection is what makes the difference. That is why I Recruit!”

Young women entering healthcare recruiting should start by understanding the industry’s complexities, including compliance, credentialing, and evolving trends like telehealth and staffing shortages. Building strong relationships is key—recruiting is about people, so listen actively and learn what candidates value beyond salary. Communication skills are essential; tailor your message for clinicians, executives, and HR teams. Embrace technology by mastering applicant tracking systems and leveraging data analytics to improve hiring outcomes. Develop negotiation and persuasion skills to bridge gaps between candidate expectations and employer budgets, and always advocate for diversity and inclusion in hiring practices. Recruiting can be high-pressure, so resilience is crucial—stay positive and learn from challenges. Finally, invest in continuous learning through certifications, webinars, and networking to stay ahead in this dynamic field.

Healthcare recruiting is tougher than ever. Talent shortages are at an all-time high, with demand for nurses, primary care providers, and specialists far outpacing supply as the workforce ages and retirements rise. Burnout and turnover make retention a constant challenge, while many professionals seek flexibility and short-term roles. Lengthy hiring and credentialing processes slow onboarding, often leading candidates to accept competing offers—and ghosting is becoming the norm. Add in compensation pressures for rural and smaller facilities, and it’s clear: recruiters need creative strategies to attract and keep top talent in this competitive market.

In my work, I am committed to delivering expertise and excellence through continuous learning and advanced clinical skills. I prioritize patient-centered care, ensuring every decision supports healing and quality of life. My approach is grounded in integrity and responsibility, fostering trust and ethical practice in all interactions. I value collaboration and mentorship, believing that shared knowledge strengthens teams and improves outcomes. Adaptability is central to my success, allowing me to thrive in diverse care settings and embrace innovation.

In my personal life, my foundation is faith and family—Jesus and my two amazing boys along with my family and friends are at the heart of everything I do. I strive for balance and joy, creating meaningful experiences through travel, family game nights, Kentucky football games, and Bible study. These moments remind me that life is about connection, gratitude, and living with purpose.