Marissa Baird, a former United States Air Force nurse, has transitioned her skills and values from military service to hospice care at AdventHealth Porter. Baird served for four and a half years at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she worked as a Registered Nurse. During her time in the military, she developed expertise in wound care and experienced personal milestones, including the birth of her two children while on active duty.
“After receiving my BSN, I wanted to give back knowing I had this beneficial skill set that could take me on missions or deployments to help those in need,” Baird said.
Baird attributes much of her professional approach to the discipline and integrity she learned during her service. “I was blessed to have had both my children while serving,” she said. “It’s something I’ll always treasure.”
After leaving military service and working in wound care management, Baird sought new purpose within nursing. She began part-time work in hospice care before deciding to make it her full-time focus. “I started working in hospice part-time, and my heart was telling me this is where I should be,” she shared. “It was a hard and scary decision to leave management, but I knew this was my purpose.”
Baird describes spiritual moments that confirmed her career change: “For reasons I can’t explain, animals often come to my yard to pass away – birds, rabbits, squirrels. I always comfort them. It felt like a message from God when I was deciding to make the switch to hospice, and it still happens today.”
Now caring for patients in hospitals, homes, and care facilities as a hospice nurse with AdventHealth Porter, Baird helps individuals and families through end-of-life experiences. “I feel honored to have the opportunity to provide peace and comfort to a patient and their family in the final hours, days or weeks of life,” she said. “Sometimes that means crying with them. Other times it means reminding them that they’re doing an incredible job caring for their loved one.”
Reflecting on her work’s impact on her worldview: “Life is short and only the lucky ones get old,” Baird noted. “I’ve always been concrete and scientific, but hospice has shown me things I can’t explain. Now, I truly believe this life is temporary and that you will see your loved ones again.”
She also aims to clarify misconceptions about hospice care: “Hospice doesn’t mean you’re dying today,” Marissa emphasized. “It means you’re living with a terminal illness and we’re here to help you live the best quality of life possible, for as long as you can.”
Through daily interactions with patients and families facing difficult moments, Baird finds fulfillment: “People often say we’re angels,” she said. “But really we’re the ones who are blessed to walk beside them in their journey. When death is embraced it can be a beautiful loving peaceful process.”
AdventHealth has recognized Baird’s ongoing contributions during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.
AdventHealth Orlando—located in Orlando, Florida—was established in 1908; its president is Terry Shaw. The hospital includes pediatric services and functions as a training hospital.
