Rachel Strickland

I attribute my success to resilience shaped by early life experiences and my decision to grow beyond limiting messages I once received about my abilities and worth. Rather than allowing those experiences to define me, I used them as motivation to work hard, prove what I am capable of, and continually push forward despite doubt or negativity. Today, I carry that mindset into my leadership style by striving to be supportive, approachable, and understanding, aiming to provide others with the encouragement and respect I once needed.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Your value does not decrease based on someone else’s inability to see your worth.” This perspective has helped me stay grounded in my confidence and self-worth, especially in challenging environments, and has reminded me not to let others’ limitations define my potential or direction.

My advice to young women entering nursing is to believe in themselves and stay grounded in their purpose, even when the work is difficult. This field will challenge you, but it will also be deeply rewarding if you remain committed to caring for others with compassion and integrity. One quote that guides me is, “Your value does not decrease based on someone else’s inability to see your worth,” and it serves as a reminder to stay confident in your abilities and focused on the difference you are making.

The biggest opportunities in my field include the expanding role of nurses and nurse practitioners, particularly as healthcare systems face ongoing physician shortages. This shift is creating more autonomy, broader scope of practice, and increased responsibility for nurses in delivering high-quality care. At the same time, there are significant challenges, including helping families navigate the complexities of caring for aging loved ones, as well as dealing with complicated insurance systems that can impact access to necessary services. Additionally, there is an ongoing need to support clients in preserving their resources and planning effectively to protect their long-term care and legacy.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are compassion, advocacy, and a strong commitment to preserving the dignity and legacies of those I serve. I also value resilience, as it is essential in navigating both personal and professional challenges, and I deeply believe in the importance of recognizing one’s own worth. Together, these values guide how I show up for others and how I approach both care and leadership.