A registered nursing student at CNC, who has overcome a traumatic brain injury, received a national bursary for his resilience.
CNC nursing student Caleb Murphy is one of 20 recipients of the national Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary through Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).
Students facing additional barriers to post-secondary education in rural or northern areas receive preference for this award and due to his resiliency, determination, and generosity, Murphy has received the maximum amount of $5,000.
“I’m just speechless right now. Since I started the nursing program, I’ve had a fear that I wouldn’t make it,” said Murphy. “It’s still shocking to me that I’m doing well in school because I’m beating the odds. I thought I’d be failing everything, and I’m not.”
In 2015, Murphy suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him in a coma. Once a straight-A student with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia, he began a new journey relearning how to walk and talk, while relying on others for support with basic daily tasks.
Eventually he got back on his feet, moved out and found work on an oil rig in Alberta but in 2020 found himself back in the hospital with a previously undiagnosed mental health disorder.
“I learned a lot about myself that year, and what I wanted to do with my life. With all the time I spent in hospitals, the nurses were really caring towards me and gave me hope,” said Murphy.
“I thought to myself, that’s something I want to do. I could use my own experiences to help other people advocate for themselves in the healthcare system and make sure they feel heard.”
Now after just one term at the Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program which is offered in partnership with UNBC, Murphy’s determination has created a lasting impact at the college.
“I’m honoured to be one of his instructors. I’ve had the chance to see his growth over the term, and Caleb overcomes any obstacle that happens to be in his path,” said Nancy Esopenko, one of the instructors who supported his nomination for the award.
“I look forward to the nurse that he’s going to become, because I know he’s going to make a significant impact. I hope that one day when I need a nurse, Caleb will be there to care for me.”
Outside his studies, Murphy also spends his time working with Prince George’s homeless population through the Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC), supporting those in active addiction.
“When I read the letters supporting Caleb’s nomination, a theme emerged of an individual striving to make a difference not only in his own life, but in the lives of others,” said Shelley Carter-Rose, CNC’s vice president of student affairs.
“In addition to being a high-achieving student in the nursing program, his personal and academic engagement has made an impact on his classmates, our faculty, and the community.”
Murphy said the award is going to give him the flexibility to stay in the nursing field.
“I was going to go back to the oil rigs to make money in the summer, but now I can stay in Prince George and really focus on what’s going to benefit my nursing career here.”
