96 | HealthLinksSC.com THE PULSE ON CHARLESTON NURSES DIANA LAYNE, PH.D., RN, CPHQ Dr. Diana Layne is passionate about improving early access to palliative care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caregivers. “Many people do not realize that palliative care is aimed at improving quality of life for patients and caregivers at any point in a serious illness, not just near the end of life,” Dr. Layne explained. “With support from a great mentoring team, I was fortunate to receive a career development award through the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute to adapt a nurse-led early palliative care intervention for persons living with ADRD and their caregivers.” Dr. Layne, an assistant professor in the MUSC College of Nursing, inspires and educates students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program as well as the Ph.D. program. She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing and master of science degree in nursing with a concentration in acute care leadership from East Carolina University. She received her Ph.D. in nursing science from MUSC. Initially, Dr. Layne went to college to pursue a business major, but, as her grandfather became progressively ill with prostate cancer, she was exposed to the many health care professionals who cared for him, including nurses. “My mother and sister both live with several chronic conditions, so I have been exposed to health care professionals throughout my life,” Dr. Layne explained. “These experiences inspired me to change my major to nursing because I really wanted to make a difference in the lives of others the way those health care professionals made such a difference for my family.” Dr. Layne considers being a nurse educator a privilege: “I do not take the role lightly, and any time I can support a struggling student or share in their successes is a great day.” She often tells the future nurses she teaches that “one of the best things about being a nurse is the variety of roles we play in health care delivery, which means there are many different types of career opportunities.” “Be open minded about where you choose to practice nursing,” she added. “It may take some time to find the best environment aligned with your skills and expertise. Do not be afraid to take risks and try something you may not think you will like. You might just be surprised and end up with your dream job.” Her advice for nurses or nurse educators? “Find your tribe, no matter whether you are a nurse working in direct patient care or faculty teaching nursing students. It is so important to find those people who will encourage you,” Dr. Layne said. “Nursing can be a very challenging but such a rewarding profession. As nurses, we often put so much time and energy into caring for others that we often neglect our own needs. Having a tribe of mentors, colleagues and friends to encourage you to take time for yourself, not take yourself too seriously and have some fun is so important.” BRENDA KENDALL-BAILEY, DNP, MS, RN, CNOR Dr. Brenda Kendall-Bailey’s advice to nurses and nurse educators weaves in words from former President Barack Obama: “Be a strong voice for nursing, maintain your passion by advocating for your profession and patients. Your journey as a nurse may not always be smooth. It is critically important to know deep within yourself that ‘nurses are the beating heart of our medical system.’” Dr. Kendall-Bailey’s professional trajectory confirms her shared belief with Obama that nurses serve a vital role in the medical system – a rewarding role that calls for compassionate leadership. With more than 20 years of nursing leadership experience, she came to the Medical University of South Carolina in April 2023 from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Looking back on my career as a nurse, I’ve spent many years in various leadership roles. One constant in my career has been a connection to perioperative services – the operating room. I worked as a staff nurse learning the roles of a circulating nurse and scrub nurse, then being promoted to leadership roles, always with the OR connection,” Dr. Kendall-Bailey explained. “My current role as the chief nursing officer at the Charleston Division is by far my most rewarding,” she added. “It is an honor and a privilege to represent MUSC nurses and MUSC as an organization, both of which are dedicated to changing what’s possible in the lives of South Carolinians.” A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Kendall-Bailey said she “owes everything to the unwavering support of my parents, who inspire me every day.” “I am most inspired by my parents and the strong desire to make them proud and for them to know their hard work pushing me to succeed was not wasted,” she added. In her spare time, Dr. Kendall-Bailey enjoys time with her family. They consider games at the dinner table, kickball in the yard and vacations all time well spent. Outside of family time, Dr. Kendall-Bailey enjoys reading psychological thrillers, swimming and dinner with friends. HealthLinks CHARLESTON has partnered with the MUSC College of Nursing to highlight some of the Lowcountry's top nurses. Expand your career: nursing.musc.edu
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