Keith De Los Santos, MSN, RN
For Keith De Los Santos, the road to nursing was anything but conventional. His journey began in the classroom as a high school science teacher before a life changing health experience revealed the profound impact nurses have during a person’s most vulnerable moments. That experience inspired him to pursue a new calling one rooted in compassion, education, and empowering others. As a 2026 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Awardee, Keith continues to strengthen the nursing profession by preparing future nurses, supporting lifelong learning, and fostering excellence in patient care.
An Unexpected Calling
Before entering the nursing profession, Keith dedicated his career to education as a high school science teacher, where he discovered a passion for mentorship and helping others achieve their goals. His path changed after a serious illness resulted in a five-week stay in the intensive care unit. While he received exceptional medical treatment, it was the compassion, encouragement, and unwavering support of his nurses that left the greatest impression and ultimately inspired him to pursue nursing.
Keith earned his Master of Science in Nursing from DePaul University in 2021, completing his capstone experience at Sinai Chicago. The experience confirmed he had found the right place to begin his nursing career, leading him to join Sinai as a medical-surgical and telemetry nurse before later transitioning into nursing education.
Building Stronger Nurses Through Education
Today, Keith serves as a Systems Nurse Educator at Sinai Chicago, where he is dedicated to helping nurses and nursing students feel confident, prepared, and supported throughout their professional journey. His work includes leading nursing professional development, coordinating student clinical experiences, supporting the nurse residency program, and advancing initiatives that strengthen patient care across the organization.
As he continues pursuing his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, Keith remains focused on using education as a catalyst for improving clinical knowledge, patient outcomes, staff engagement, and organizational culture. His background as both an educator and nurse allow him to mentor others with a unique perspective that bridges learning and practice.
Creating Opportunity Through Leadership
As a first-generation Filipino American serving within a diverse safety-net healthcare system, Keith understands the importance of representation, health equity, and culturally responsive care. He is passionate about creating environments where every patient feels respected, understood, and valued while ensuring nurses have the tools and confidence to provide exceptional care.
One of Keith’s proudest accomplishments has been helping develop educational programs that support nursing students, new graduate nurses, experienced caregivers, and preceptors throughout Sinai Chicago. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling internationally, playing volleyball and soccer, and spending time with his family, friends, and many godchildren. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that there is no single path into nursing, only a shared commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly recognizes Keith De Los Santos as a 2026 40 Under 40 Awardee for his dedication to nursing education, mentorship, professional development, and advancing equitable patient care. Through his passion for teaching and leadership, he continues to empower nurses at every stage of their careers while strengthening the future of the nursing profession.
Support the future of nursing leaders like Keith. Donate to INF to help us continue empowering nurse leaders across Illinois. Donate today!