Nursing Graduate Inspired by Adversity

By Charleston Southern on August 3, 2009 - 12:56 pm in Learning / no comments

For May graduate, Kelly Laffey, the decision to become a nurse was not a hard one. Inspired by caring nurses who nursed her son to health, Laffey knows firsthand about the caring capacity of nurses. Her oldest son was born premature and spent several months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was during this time that her calling became clear.

“My son is alive today because of talented health care professionals, more so the nurses who tended to him. Watching the nurses work on a day-to-day basis, nursing my son to health, was truly inspiring to me, and I knew at that point that I wanted to give back by providing those skills to someone else in need,” said Laffey. That inspiration has seen her through the nursing program and is a driving force behind the personal time that she dedicates to serving others. She has given of her time at places like the Ronald McDonald House, working at the soup kitchen at Crisis Ministries and volunteering at Special Olympics.

Laffey juggled many responsibilities including that of wife, mother and student. Support from her family was essential to her success as she explains, “The love from my husband and family has given me the strength and confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. They gave me encouragement, guidance and inspiration to never give up. I am thankful for my supportive husband who stood by me throughout the years and my two children for their endless patience while in school.” From her strong support system she was able to attack her studies she says, “…with the level of maturity and commitment that ensured my success.”

While support from her family was essential to her success, Laffey readily acknowledges her faith in God that saw her through. “Anything is possible with God,” she explains, “I completely released myself to His will. He guided me through every rough road and trying time. I had total faith He would see me through whatever obstacle I would come across. I am convinced these tests only strengthened my character and assisted with my preparation for the nursing profession.”

Laffey plans to work as a critical care nurse. “I find great comfort in providing nursing care to those who are very sick during a vulnerable time in their life,” she said. Laffey says the nursing instructors at Charleston Southern gave her the encouragement and professional guidance she needed to succeed.