Finding Common Ground Through Nursing

By Kierney Murphy, fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student

When people ask me why I chose nursing, I always think back to my youngest sister, Clare.

Clare was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect that meant our family spent a lot of time in hospitals.

During the hardest moments of our lives, I watched nurses do much more than provide medical care. They comforted Clare before procedures, eased her fears, and helped our family navigate challenges we never expected to face.

Seeing the difference they made inspired me to want to do the same for others one day.

That goal eventually brought me to The Ohio State University College of Nursing.

As a fourth-generation Buckeye, Ohio State had always felt like home. Today, I'm a senior completing my preceptorship in the Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit (Neuro ICU) at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

I didn't originally know neuroscience nursing would be my passion, but I've discovered that I love the fast pace, the complexity, and the opportunity to care for patients from every walk of life.

One of the reasons I've been able to focus so fully on my education is the Joanne and William Conway Scholarship.

The scholarship allowed me to concentrate on becoming the best nurse I can be rather than constantly worrying about finances.

Beyond the financial support, the scholarship means something deeper to me. It represents the fact that someone believes in the future of nursing and is willing to invest in students like me. Knowing that people are investing in my education and future career has motivated me to work even harder and make the most of every opportunity.

One of those opportunities came recently when I attended a special event with former South Carolina Governor David Beasley. I was fortunate enough to meet him along with other Conway Scholars, nursing students and faculty members.

I expected the event to be interesting, but I left with a perspective that will stay with me throughout my career.

Governor Beasley shared stories from his work around the world, including his efforts to address food insecurity and support vulnerable populations. What stood out most to me wasn't just the impact of the programs he helped lead or the millions of dollars raised. It was his ability to bring people together.

In a time when so much seems divided, he talked about working with people from different backgrounds, viewpoints and experiences in order to solve real problems. He emphasized that meaningful change often begins with something surprisingly simple: having conversations with people who are different from you.

That idea really resonated with me.

As nurses, we care for people from every imaginable background. In the Neuro ICU especially, there are no political parties or prejudgments. Anyone can experience a stroke or traumatic brain injury. On any given day, I might care for a young adult, an older patient, someone from a different culture, or someone with a completely different life experience from my own.

To me, that's nursing at its core.

Governor Beasley's message reminded me that healthcare is about more than treatments and procedures. It's about listening. It's about understanding people. It's about meeting them where they are and finding common ground, even when your experiences are different.

His advice mirrors what I see every day. Building trust starts with a conversation. Helping patients feel heard starts with a conversation. Supporting families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives starts with a conversation.

That is the kind of nurse I hope to become.

I'm so grateful for experiences like this one. Through the Joanne and William Conway Scholarship I've received not only financial support but also opportunities to connect with inspiring leaders, fellow students, and faculty members who continue to shape my journey.

From watching nurses care for my sister to caring for patients in the Neuro ICU today, every step has strengthened my belief in the power of human connection.

Governor Beasley reminded me that making a difference rarely begins with a grand gesture. It starts by simply talking with someone, listening to their story, and finding common ground.

As I look ahead to my future as a nurse, that's a lesson I plan to carry with me every day.