Why I Care: Kaela Baker, RN, BSN

Everyone at Lee Health & Rehab Center is rooted in the collective desire to offer the highest quality care to our patients and residents.  Our goal is to make a difference in their lives.  We’re dedicated to the care and recovery of our patients and residents. From skilled nurses to responsive maintenance workers, Lee Health & Rehab Center understands the value of the human touch.

Through the AHCA #WhyICare campaign, we’ll be introducing you to our team members and what inspires them to work at a long term care facility.  In our first #WhyICare, we want to introduce you to Kaela Baker, RN, BSN, at Lee Health & Rehab Center.

Q: How long have you been at Lee Health & Rehab Center?
A: I started in June 2007 as an LPN. I continued going to school while working full time at Lee Health & Rehab Center to obtain my Associate’s Degree and then on for my Bachelor’s. I took a small break from July to October 2016 to explore other areas of nursing, that I dreamed of doing (Labor and Delivery). I LOVED it, but it just didn’t feel like home so I decided to come back to Lee.

Q: What made you decide to get into nursing?
A: As a child, I always enjoyed going to the doctor. I loved learning about all the instruments and what types of assessments they were going to complete on me that day. I loved learning, and still, do on how the body functions. As I grew older, I knew that nursing was where I needed to be. As a junior in high school, I ordered my class ring and on it was the nursing symbol!

Q: What nursing school did you attend?
A: I received my LPN certification from the Lee County Career and Technical Center. I obtained my Associates Degree at Mountain Empire Community College and obtained my Bachelor’s degree from King University.

Q: What was one of the best days of your nursing career?
A: The day I realized that I loved Labor and Delivery, but I also realized that I was homesick… Homesick because I knew I left the place that I needed to be and that was long-term care. It was an absolute eye-opener!

Q Why did you choose to work at a long-term care facility?
A: Long-term care was not my first choice. I was searching for a job and was not having a whole lot of luck when I applied for the LPN position at Lee. I was offered the position and at the ripe old age of 19, I accepted. I now know that God placed me where he wanted me. I have been the friend/family of resident’s/patients that I never knew until they entered the doors of the facility. I have held the hands of many, while they quietly crossed over Jordan’s shore. I have laughed and I have cried. There have been good days and there have been bad days, but I wouldn’t trade this profession. Nursing is my PASSION!