The Power of Nurses: Celebrating Nurses Week with Keymal Williams

Every year from May 6^th  to May 12^th, we celebrate National Nurses Week – a time to honor the dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts of nursing professionals across the country. At Bryant & Stratton College, we’re proud of our nursing program graduates who embody the very essence of what it means to be a healthcare hero. Today, we’re proud to highlight one of our committed nursing graduates, Keymal Williams, a fine example of the “power of nurses” the American Nurses Association (ANA) theme for this year. His journey from nursing student to Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a doctoral degree exemplifies the transformative power of education and passion for service.

A Calling to Serve

For Keymal, nursing wasn’t just a career choice; it was a calling. “I originally wanted to become a nurse because of my deep desire to serve others and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives,” he shares. This fundamental motivation—to help those in need—is the common thread that binds nurses together across specialties, settings, and generations.

What drew Keymal specifically to nursing was the profession’s unique combination of science and compassion. “Nursing offered me the opportunity to combine science, empathy, and advocacy to care for those who are most vulnerable,” he explains. “I was drawn to the profession’s ability to empower patients, support families, and promote healing through a combination of knowledge and compassion.”

This balanced approach—addressing both the physical and emotional needs of patients—is precisely what makes nursing such a vital component of our healthcare system.

Finding Purpose in Mental Health

As healthcare evolves, nurses often discover areas of specialization that align with their unique skills and passions. For Keymal, that specialty became mental health. Now working as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a doctoral degree in nursing, he has found his purpose in addressing one of our society’s most pressing healthcare challenges.

“Mental health is a field I am deeply passionate about and one I plan to stay in,” Keymal affirms. “The need for compassionate, well-trained mental health providers is greater than ever, and I am committed to being a voice and a source of support for those navigating mental health challenges.”

His work exemplifies how nursing careers can evolve and specialize while remaining centered on patient care. “My work in this field enables me to combine clinical expertise with therapeutic presence, which is incredibly fulfilling,” he adds.

The Transformative Power of Education

When reflecting on his time at Bryant & Stratton College – Hampton Campus, Keymal highlights the supportive environment that helped shape his professional journey. “My favorite aspect of the nursing program at Bryant & Stratton College was the unwavering support and dedication from the faculty, particularly in their investment in our success both academically and personally,” he recalls. “The environment fostered growth, resilience, and a deep sense of community.”

Education in nursing goes beyond clinical skills and medical knowledge. As Keymal notes, “The program not only trained me to become a nurse, but it also shaped me into a compassionate leader, and for that, I am forever grateful.”

Mentorship That Makes a Difference

Among the many influential figures in Keymal’s educational journey, one stands out: Dean Barclift. Keymal especially remembers her impact: “She not only encouraged and motivated us with her words but also demonstrated consistency through her actions. She treated me as if I were her son and advocated for me, both in my presence and in my absence.”

This powerful mentorship illustrates how educators can profoundly influence not just what students learn, but who they become. “Her dedication, integrity, and support helped lay the foundation for my success,” Keymal acknowledges.

Full Circle: From Student to Educator

Perhaps the most remarkable chapter in Keymal’s nursing journey is how he has come full circle. From being a graduate of our ADN Nursing program to now serving as a Nursing Professor at Bryant & Stratton College himself. This transition from student to educator represents the continuous cycle of knowledge, compassion, and service that defines the nursing profession.

In his role as an educator, Keymal strives to provide his students with the same level of encouragement and mentorship that he received, creating a legacy of excellence that will benefit countless future patients.

The Joy of Nursing

When asked what he loves most about working as a nurse today, Keymal’s answer captures the essence of nursing’s profound impact: “What I love most about working as a nurse today is the ability to be a beacon of hope and change in someone’s life. Whether it’s through teaching, providing care, or advocating for a patient, nursing allows me to show up with purpose every day.”

He also appreciates the profession’s versatility and adaptability. “I also love the versatility of the profession; it evolves as you evolve, and it has given me the opportunity to teach now and inspire the next generation of nurses.”

Honoring All Nurses

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, stories like Keymal’s remind us of the extraordinary individuals behind the nursing profession. From bedside care to mental health advocacy to nursing education, nurses touch lives in countless ways, often during life’s most challenging moments.

To Keymal and all nurses, thank you for your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of others. Your work makes our world healthier, kinder, and more humane.

Looking to start your own career in nursing? Find the right nursing program for you at www.bryantstratton.edu and take the first step today.