Destinie Stapleton: Leading Rural Health Care with Passion

Embracing the Challenge of Rural Health
Destinie Stapleton’s journey to becoming the 2025 Becky Nelson Nursing Leadership Fellow at Sanford Health is a compelling story of grit and purpose. At the core of her mission is an unwavering dedication to improving rural health care. According to Sanford Health News, Stapleton’s experience as a nurse practitioner has uniquely positioned her to tackle the challenges of delivering medical care in remote areas. Her work at Sanford Jackson Medical Center in Minnesota has not only honed her skills but also cultivated her passion for patient-centered care.
Following in Becky Nelson’s Footsteps
Much like Becky Nelson, the fellowship’s namesake, Stapleton’s path in health care is both unconventional and inspiring. Originally a veterinary technician, her journey through eight years of nursing education reflects her commitment to reshaping health care delivery in rural settings. Her drive mirrors Nelson’s legacy, embodying Sanford’s core values and inspiring hope for transformative leadership.
Setting Bold Goals for a Year of Opportunity
Stapleton’s selection as a fellow comes with an opportunity to share her insights on rural health care with leaders across Sanford Health. Her enthusiasm for innovation is reflected in her fellowship application, where she set not just three, but six objectives for impacting nursing leadership. Her groundbreaking ideas and passion for creative problem-solving have made her a standout choice for this esteemed role.
A Personal Mission to Foster Change
For Stapleton, the pursuit of a nursing career was guided by a deep-seated passion for making meaningful impacts in people’s lives. Her journey from veterinary technician to nurse practitioner wasn’t just fueled by professional ambition but by a personal mission to foster better health care outcomes. Her conviction is clear: if you’re not passionate about your work, you won’t excel in it.
Looking Forward: A Beacon for Rural Health Care
As Stapleton steps into her fellowship role, she envisions a future where rural health care issues are brought to the forefront of Sanford Health’s initiatives. Her tenacity and innovative perspective are sure to leave a lasting impression, as she aims to transform the landscape of medical care for rural communities. With plans to engage in tailored learning and leadership seminars, Stapleton is set to not only learn but also teach, reinforcing Sanford’s commitment to nurturing leaders who make a difference.
Stapleton’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in driving meaningful change, serving as an inspiration to aspiring leaders in health care across the nation.