Kelly Murray, RN, BSN, CCRN, TCRN, FNE, EOLD, of Maryland has dedicated three decades to the field of nursing, specializing in critical care, trauma, nursing home supervision, interventional radiology, and nursing education. Since 2024, she has excelled as a forensic nurse examiner at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, where she oversees the forensics department and conducts exams for rape victims. Additionally, she serves as an end-of-life doula, offering emotional support and guidance to families during hospice care.
Alongside this position, Ms. Murray has dedicated her time as an adjunct professor of nursing at Howard Community College since 2023, where she guides students through their clinical experiences and helps them navigate the complexities of nursing school. In the same year, she established her business, Stitch Your Legacy. Through this venture, she provides a space for individuals to create legacy projects that honor loved ones.
In 2022, Ms. Murray garnered experience working in interventional radiology at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and serving as a weekend registered nurse supervisor at both Complete Care Management and Autumn Lake Healthcare at Loch Raven. Her professional journey began at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where she served as a clinical nurse II in the neurotrauma critical care unit from 1994 to 2021. During this time, Ms. Murray honed her skills in shock trauma, a role she considers her most notable career achievement. Her dedication to this field was further fueled by personal tragedy when her son passed away in a surfing accident, an event that profoundly impacted her approach to compassionate care.
Ms. Murray prepared for her career by pursuing a robust education, earning an Associate of Science in Nursing from Anne Arundel Community College in 1994 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Notre Dame of Maryland University in 2009. She also holds several certifications that have contributed to her success, including a trauma certified registered nurse designation since 2017 and a critical care registered nurse certification since 2007. In addition, Ms. Murray has also completed training as a nurse educator and holds a certificate in palliative care.
Ms. Murray’s civic involvement includes participating in earthquake relief missions to Haiti with Catholic Relief Services in 2010 and service learning outreach clinics in Guatemala with the San Lucas Mission and Common Hope in 2008. She is also active with the Chamber of Commerce and enjoys hosting game nights, fostering community connections outside of her professional life.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Murray has gained a wealth of experience in various health care roles, providing her with a unique perspective. Her tenure of more than 25 years in trauma, coupled with her experience supervising long-term care facilities, has allowed her to understand the latter portions of health care. Additionally, her work in interventional radiology has provided her with insights into hospital operations from the perspective of diagnostics and the operating room. Ms. Murray’s training as a palliative care nurse and end-of-life doula has equipped her with the expertise necessary to provide compassionate care in end-of-life situations.
In her personal life, Ms. Murray is driven by empathy and a desire to help others thrive. She is committed to sharing her experiences, both good and bad, to support those around her. Looking to the future, as she continues to develop Stitch Your Legacy, she envisions organizing events that promote peace of mind and encourage well-being while supporting communities in end-of-life discussions.
In advising aspiring professionals, Ms. Murray emphasizes that it is a gift to be in a position to care for someone in their time of need. It is not just a job but an honor to be with someone during their most vulnerable moments. She believes that those who see caregiving as an honor will become the best patient advocates and learn everything needed to excel. Ms. Murray knows firsthand that if aspiring caregivers maintain this perspective, everything else will fall into place.