Editor’s note: Caring for a community doesn’t just happen in clinics and hospital halls, sometimes, it happens right where people live, work and gather. That’s the mission driving our Mobile Health Unit, and it’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Kiara Baylock, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, who will be leading care on wheels as the unit’s nurse practitioner.
Get to know the newest member of our Mobile Health Unit team in the Q&A below.
1. Share a fun fact about yourself or something you enjoy doing outside of work.
I went skydiving a few years ago after working a 12-hour night shift. I drove over one hour for the experience. What a great experience it was! This should be on everyone’s bucket list!
2. How long have you been an NP, and what inspired you to pursue a career in medicine.
I have been a nurse practitioner for almost three years. My journey into medicine was inspired by my family. Growing up around an older generation, I took it upon myself to help with everything healthcare related such as filling medication bottles, making sure doctor appointments wasn’t missed, ensuring questions were written down to ask the healthcare team, and when I started driving, I became the transportation for my family. I just naturally grew up taking care of people. It is who I am.
3. Tell us about your background in nursing.
My background in nursing started in high school. I took health education courses that introduced me into the field of nursing. After I graduated high school, waiting to start college in the fall, I completed a CNA class, which allowed me to work in a nursing home/assisted living while in college. Once I graduated from nursing school, I came into my career at DHEC (Department of Health and Environmental Control), working as a preventative health RN. After that, I decided to explore the hospital realm of nursing, and worked in various areas such as surgical trauma, travel nursing, labor and delivery and adjunct clinical teaching for college nursing programs.
4. What sparked your passion for community health?
My passion for community health began as a child. Growing up in a rural area, I witnessed the challenges of having limited resources and access to care. Seeing how much healthcare outcomes depend on access, education, prevention and not just treatment alone fueled passion from within. I have witnessed family members making the tough decision on whether blood pressure medication should be purchased, versus chicken and veggies to feed the family for a few days. During my clinical rotations in underserved areas, I saw how healthcare providers could make a powerful impact by connecting with patients outside the hospital setting, providing health education and building trust within the community. Seeing how small interventions—like teaching about nutrition, medication management or chronic disease prevention—could change lives really sparked my interest in community health nursing. It’s rewarding to help people take charge of their health and work toward reducing barriers to care. That experience made me want to work toward reducing health disparities and empowering communities to take charge of their own health.
5. What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I’m mostly looking forward to building meaningful relationships with patients and the communities I’ll be serving. As a community health provider, I’m excited to work directly with individuals and families to promote wellness, provide education and help reduce barriers to care.
6. Tell us a patient story that has really stayed with you.
There are many profound patient stories in my career that resonates with me, however there is one patient story that truly stays with me. Three years ago, I was the labor and delivery nurse for a patient who was scheduled for an induction of labor due to intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD). She was young, afraid, and very heartbroken. I was at her bedside the entire time until she delivered her baby who had already passed in utero. Fast forward 1.5 years later, this same patient returned on the labor and delivery unit to be induced to deliver a health term baby girl, and it worked out that I was able to be her nurse! She was so happy and relieved that I was there to be with her for the second time but for a very happy occasion. She thanked me repeatedly for how I stayed with her the whole time during one of her darkest moments, and how I was able to be her nurse again.
7. How do you advocate for patients in your daily work?
I advocate for my patients daily by empowering them to take an active role in their health and by addressing the barriers that affect their well-being. In community health, advocacy often means meeting patients where they are—both physically and emotionally. I take time to listen to their concerns, educate them in ways that are understandable and culturally appropriate and connect them with resources such as food assistance, housing support or preventive care services. I also collaborate with other healthcare providers and community organizations to ensure my patients receive holistic, continuous care. My goal every day is to help individuals and families feel supported, respected and capable of making informed decisions about their health.
8. Do you have any mentors or experiences that significantly shaped your approach to patient care?
Truly, my upbringing has significantly shaped my approach to patient care. I spent a lot of time in hospitals, and doctor’s offices with family members, witnessing how they were treated sometimes great, other times not so much. All those experiences taught me to treat every single person I encounter, from the front desk staff, housekeeping, patients, their families, healthcare providers, etc., the way I would want the ones I love most treated. When you take that approach, you provide nothing short of excellent and high-quality care.
One response to “From bedside to neighborhoods: Meet our Mobile Health Unit provider”
How do we get to have your Mobile Healthcare in our Eastside community? Alexis Wright-Singleton, President, Eastside Community Development Corporation. 60 America St. 29403 (843) 952-7193 Office, (843) 408-3038 Cell and eastsidecommunitydc@outlook.com. Look forward to hearing from you!