David Baiada Inspires Drexel Nurse Grads with Keynote Speech

BAYADA Practice President David Baiada delivered an inspiring commencement speech for Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.

Drawing upon the wisdom he’s acquired through years of one-on-one conversations with clients on their couches and at their kitchen tables, he shared how the home is a powerful place to tune into people’s needs and truly make a difference.

He used the example of Mr. Jones, a client with cerebral palsy, and his BAYADA Home Health Aide Mary, who is like his angel—tuned into his needs and bringing him peace and comfort with each visit.

“A choice to pursue a health profession is a choice to help others,” he said, and challenged them to make an impact on those whose lives they touch—regardless of setting—with three simple principles from The BAYADA Way:

1. Listen closely, show empathy, and respond to the needs of others.
2. Set specific goals, and work hard and efficiently to achieve them.
3. Be creative, flexible, and determined.

He closed his speech with sage advice for any professional entering the current health care field, where collaboration among providers in each sector will become increasingly important.

“My hope is that you envision yourself at the proverbial kitchen table, alongside your colleagues of every health profession, putting the needs and goals of your clients at the center, working together as a compassionate, inter-professional team.”