As a young girl, Lauren Muirhead made countless trips to the emergency room and VA hospital with her grandfather. He was a hardened veteran, who encountered many nurses. Some provided care with an unmatched tenderness and Lauren took note—compassion was as vital as any medication.
“The personalized care that fosters a connection between the provider and patient, even if brief, is one of the best parts of my job. I love witnessing that inner light—the sparkle in people’s eyes—return or simply being there for them when there is no light.”
By the time she was fourteen, Lauren knew she was meant to serve in the health care field. She volunteered at a hospital, first as a transporter and later in the operating room. The bustling halls became her classroom, the nurses and physicians her mentors. Each interaction cemented her decision to pursue nursing.
As Lauren began her education at Research College of Nursing, her philosophy of nursing took shape through experience. It wasn’t just about treating symptoms. She recalled a particular patient whose wife sat quietly beside him anxiously. Though the man was the one receiving care, his concern was for his wife. By engaging with the couple, offering a kind word and a listening ear, Lauren watched the tension in the room ease. That moment solidified her belief—nursing was about caring for people, not just ailments.
“We are caretakers of people, and it is our responsibility to ensure the well-being of those around us, even if they are not directly our patients. We treat people, we treat their families, and we do that with the highest standards of care because of that honor of trust placed in us.”
To help with her nursing education, Lauren was awarded a scholarship from The Research Foundation. For the first time in years, she was able to focus solely on her studies, free from the burden of juggling multiple jobs. With that support, she excelled in her coursework, maintained a stellar GPA, and took part in invaluable extracurricular activities. She joined a nurse externship program, honed her clinical skills, and tutored fellow students—all opportunities she might have missed had she been forced to work long hours outside of school.
“One of the cool things about being a nursing student at Research College of Nursing is when I’m in the cafeteria, on clinical rotations, or working as a nurse extern, I see a lot of support of The Research Foundation and its mission. It feels like a silent but powerful cheering section, motivating me to succeed.”
Lauren believes those who contribute to The Research Foundation’s nursing scholarships aren’t just providing financial aid—they are providing hope. Her scholarship has lifted the weight of financial stress, provided a sense of community, and reaffirmed the importance of kindness. Because of The Research Foundation’s donors, she and so many others can pursue their passion without hesitation. One day, she hopes to pay it forward, to support the next generation of nurses just as she has been supported.
“Every single person who has contributed has made an impact in my life and helped change it for the better.”
For Lauren, nursing is a lifestyle. It’s the spark in a patient’s eyes, the gentle reassurance to a worried family member, the unwavering commitment to care for others with dignity and compassion. It is her purpose.
