Strive Health Lead Care Coordinator Knows She’s Making a Difference

Renee Dreiling worked as a state-tested nurse aide (STNA) during high school and for a few years after college graduation. She enjoyed the patient interaction, but the job felt like a dead-end. A family member working at Strive Health encouraged Renee to apply. Renee joined the company in November 2023. Here, Renee shares what she loves about being a Striver and how Strive has helped her grow professionally. 

What was the interview process like at Strive?
Strive made me feel valued and excited to be part of its mission from the start. The interview process was excellent — everyone I interacted with was kind, caring and professional. I appreciated how the interviewers took the time to explain how my role would fit into the larger team and impact patients. I could tell there would be opportunities to advance and develop my career in ways that weren’t available in my previous roles. 

How could you tell Strive was “different” before you started working there?
Strivers are passionate about making a real impact in patients’ lives and transforming the kidney care system. I could see that this wasn’t just a job for them — they had a sense of purpose.  

Your first position at Strive was as a care coordinator. What did that involve?
Care coordination is a hands-on role that involves working closely with the care team and patients to ensure smooth care transitions and address care gaps. Care coordinators address patients’ needs and connect them with resources. They also spend time at clinical practices to support patients and collaborate with nurses, nurse practitioners and nephrologists.  

This role shows how much Strive emphasizes collaboration and patient-centered care. Everyone is working toward the same goal of improving lives. You feel that team spirit every day. 

Tell us about your current role at Strive.
About eight months after I joined Strive, my lead care coordinator left the company for a career change. I stepped into her role on an interim basis and soon became her permanent replacement. Knowing that Strive leaders trusted me to fill her shoes was an honor. The opportunity reaffirmed how Strive recognizes and rewards hard work and potential. I was eager to rise to the challenge. 

Today, I manage seven care coordinators. I oversee daily operations, conduct one-on-ones, lead team meetings, monitor reports and metrics, and work with leadership to support team goals. I’m involved in hiring, training, and call and chart audits. I am happy I get to work with patients directly, although less than I did before.  

How have you grown into the role?
This is my first management role and Strive provides the resources and support to help me succeed. It’s rewarding to balance leadership responsibilities with direct patient care, knowing I’m making a difference in multiple ways. 

I’ve learned a lot about myself and the kind of manager I aspire to be. Strive’s emphasis on mentorship and professional growth has helped me develop leadership, communication and decision-making skills. I’ve also learned to balance managing a team with other responsibilities while staying focused on corporate goals. 

How are you making a difference at Strive? 
I make a meaningful difference when I talk to patients directly to help them manage their care and improve their lives. As a manager, I support my team in patient interactions, which multiplies my contribution and allows us to make an even more significant impact together. 

The supportive environment and collaborative team culture at Strive make every day rewarding. Strive is a place where you can see the impact of your work and feel proud of the difference you’re making. 

Why do you Strive? 
I Strive to work alongside my fellow Kidney Heroes® and provide patients with the highest-quality care. Strive’s mission inspires me every day, and I’m proud to be part of a team dedicated to improving kidney care. 

Interested in joining our team? Check out our open roles on Strive’s careers page.