Latecha (Professor Daniels) Daniels, MSN, RN
Latecha (Professor Daniels) Daniels, MSN, RN, is a registered nurse, nursing professor, and passionate healthcare advocate. With nine years of nursing experience, her journey has been guided by a lifelong passion for advocacy. From serving as a peer mediator in elementary school to teaching intellectual disabilities students in high school, Latecha has always been drawn to helping others recognize their strengths. Growing up in a family of nurses her mother, father, oldest brother, and aunt she was immersed in healthcare from a young age, which ultimately inspired her own path in nursing. One of her earliest roles as a Mental Health Technician at a psychiatric hospital cemented her calling, leading her to dedicate her life to both patient care and nurse education. Currently a Professor of Nursing at CAAN Academy, Latecha educates and mentors future nurses in psychiatric and behavioral health, emphasizing mental health, empathy, and patient-centered care. She believes that mental health is just as important as medication, and she prioritizes understanding how students and patients feel about themselves and their capabilities. Her approach to teaching is shaped by her own experiences in nursing school, where she wished for relatable educators who could inspire and motivate her. Latecha combines clinical expertise with her natural ability to connect with people, often leaving students and patients feeling empowered, encouraged, and motivated. Latecha is currently completing her post-master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Purdue Global Online, focusing on therapeutic care outside of hospital settings. Looking ahead, she envisions founding Touch of a Nurse, a holistic wellness clinic dedicated to helping individuals and communities grow, heal, and thrive. Beyond her clinical and educational work, she is a motivational speaker, mentor, and social justice advocate, committed to transforming lives one smile, one conversation, and one patient at a time. Her story reflects a rare blend of professional excellence, heartfelt advocacy, and a deep commitment to human connection.
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE-A / SANE-P)
• Spencerian College - ASN
• Purdue global university
• Capella university
• Olga Madar Award
• Special Appreciation Award with BLWP
• Coalition of Labor Union Women (Chicago)
• Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
• Black Labor Week Project Incorporated
• National Black Nurses Association
• International Association for Forensic Nurses
• Food bank volunteering
• Community outreach programs
• Black Labor Week Project Inc.
• Young Workers Program( started at UAW 551)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong commitment to advocacy and compassion, always striving to help people feel seen, heard, and valued. Growing up in a family of nurses my mother, father, and brother I was inspired early on to pursue a career in healthcare, though I initially considered becoming a pharmacist because I admired how they cared for patients. My passion for advocacy began in elementary school as a peer mediator and continued through high school, where I spent three years teaching developmentally challenged students to recognize their strengths. My first professional role as a Mental Health Technician at a psychiatric hospital laid the foundation for my specialization in psychiatric and mental health nursing. Now, with nine years of nursing experience and the pursuit of a post-master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree, returning to advanced practice has been a defining, full-circle moment in my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“The best advice I have received was to always stay true to my purpose and let my passion guide my path. I was told that when you focus on serving others and making a difference, opportunities will align with your mission. That advice has guided me in every role, from advocating for patients to mentoring future nurses, and it continues to inspire my goal of creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.”
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
“The advice I would give to younger generation entering healthcare or any profession is to know your voice matters and never be afraid to use it. This world needs compassion, leadership, and authenticity, and your perspective is valuable. Stay grounded in your purpose, lead with empathy, and never forget why you chose to serve others.
I would also encourage them to embrace their unique gifts. Whether your strength is connecting with people, advocating for change, educating others, or creating safe spaces for healing; your gifts are your superpower. Do not minimize them or compare your journey to anyone else’s.
Most importantly, protect your passion. Healthcare can be demanding, but when you stay connected to your purpose and continue growing, you can create meaningful change in the lives of others and in your community.”
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include nurse shortages and policy decisions such as redistricting that can reduce access to care. Opportunities include expanding holistic, therapy-focused mental health services and increasing nursing representation in health policy.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, advocacy, making people feel seen/heard/valued, protecting human dignity, and holistic care for mind, body, and spirit.
Locations
CAAN Academy
4747 Lincoln Mall Drive, Matteson, IL, 60443