Today we’d like to introduce you to DeLise Rhea.
Hi DeLise, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is DeLise. I’m happily married to my soul mate , Stephon of 11 years. We have two handsome boys, Mason and Rowen (8 and 2). I love spending my free time with my family. I’m addicted to FOOD and love to travel.
I started my career in Nursing in 2012. I’ve always had a passion to care for others. As cliche as it may sound, I spent most of my childhood years role-playing as a doctor! It wasn’t until I entered THE BEST HBCU, THE Texas Southern University that I learned about the pathway of providing care as a nurse. My journey of nursing started in the area of Women’s health. Then, my life introduced me to community health nursing, where I spent years as a school nurse in an underserved community of Houston, TX. It was in this role where I learned about health disparities, barriers of healthcare, and the advantages many possess based on their address alone. I learned how to effectively advocate for my patients and how much my voice truly mattered.
Hurricane Harvey hit in Houston and the very community I worked was lacking supplies! The Nurse Practitioner that walked through my clinic door providing backpacks to many children in need after the disaster became the very NP that mentored me through NP school. If it wasn’t for my faith and her that day, I would not be where I am today!!!
I have held roles as an Aesthetic NP, Neurology NP, and now currently working as a Pediatric Sleep Nurse Practitioner. A newer subspecialty but definitely one that I have found to be extremely rewarding and necessary given many witnessed patient experiences. I manage sleep disorders like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and behavioral insomnia -just to name a few! Through my practice, I have found that most illnesses and behaviors that interfere with day-to-day functioning are due to fragmented or disrupted sleep. I see some of the most complex cases and get to collaborate with amazing providers that change lives every day. Everyone needs sleep and I feel blessed to be able to manage pediatric patients at one of the most renowned hospitals in Texas!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not! However, I managed to have a baby while completing undergrad nursing and another upon completing my master’s in nursing and license as an NP.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Nurse practitioner sub specializing in pediatric sleep. I’m proud to have been able to accomplish one of my long-term goals to be working at the best hospital in Texas!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m constantly listening to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine!
I love to read my Bible to give me strength to tackle obstacles that come my way!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Amelia Rose Photography
