Twin sisters navigate nursing dream together at Georgian

May 12, 2025

National Nursing Week, May 12 to 18, is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the dedication and work of nurses. This year’s theme, The Power of Nurses to Transform Health, highlights the impact nurses have in shaping health care.

To highlight the vital role that nurses have, we spoke with two current  Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing Honours Bachelor Degree program students Marisa and Kelly Cardwell – twin sisters, who have decided to pursue their nursing degrees together with the goal of making a difference in patients’ lives and the overall care experience they have during their time of need.

What inspired you to pursue nursing, and why did you choose Georgian?

Marisa: I was inspired to pursue nursing because I’ve always wanted to work in a field where I could make a real difference in people’s lives. Helping others, especially during vulnerable and challenging times, felt like a natural path for me. Nursing is one of those rare careers that’s both deeply meaningful and offers long-term stability, which is also important when thinking about the future.

Kelly: For me, nursing was a natural choice because I’ve always wanted to work in a fast-paced environment where I could help people meaningfully. I’ve also had several experiences with errors in my own healthcare, which opened my eyes to the importance of compassionate, accurate, and patient-centered care. Those experiences inspired me to be part of the solution and make a difference for others going through something similar.

When it came to choosing a postsecondary institution, Marisa and Kelly shared they chose Georgian because of its strong reputation in the healthcare field and the way the program combines theory with hands-on clinical experience right from the start. “The smaller class sizes make it easier to connect with instructors and classmates, and the campus has such a welcoming and supportive atmosphere,” they said “It just felt like the right place for us to grow both personally and professionally.”

Both Marisa and Kelly added that the most rewarding part of pursuing the program alongside one another is having a built-in partner to lean on, whether it’s reviewing material, practicing skills, or prepping for exams. They said, “We keep each other motivated, and reinforce our learning by teaching each other.”

When it comes to challenges, they have differing working styles and perspectives when approaching assignments or projects. However, through patience, compromise and improving their communication, they’ve learned to navigate these challenges and respect one another’s approaches, allowing them to grow both academically and personally.

Experiencing the program together has also strengthened Marisa and Kelly’s relationship. “We’ve always been close, but sharing the same challenges, deadlines, and victories has brought a new level of understanding and support,” they said “We’ve learned how to communicate better, especially under pressure, and how to lean on each other when things get overwhelming.”

Looking back at their time so far in the program, Marisa and Kelly reflected on some memorable moments that have stood out.

Marisa: One of my favourite memories was walking into my Relational Practice class and seeing a slide that had instructions to say different parts of anatomy out loud. It was part of a lesson about how everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to talking about anatomy. At that moment, I knew they were going to be my favourite teacher. The ability to bring humor, honesty and realness into the classroom made me instantly excited to learn from her.

Kelly: When I completed my skills critique for vital signs and nailed it on the first try, I was so excited that I couldn’t help but celebrate. I danced around the room and gave both Marisa and my instructor a big high five. Judging by the look on my instructor’s face, I sensed that this kind of celebration wasn’t something she saw every day. But at that moment, she was just as much a part of the win as I was, and she deserved to celebrate it with me.

How do you envision using your nursing degrees to make an impact?

Marisa: I see myself using my nursing degree to advocate for patients who feel unheard or overlooked in the healthcare system. I want to work in a hospital where I can be that compassionate, reliable presence for people during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. In the long term, I hope to get involved in community health outreach, educating people about preventative care and helping reduce health disparities, especially in underserved populations. Even small acts of advocacy and education can create long-lasting change.

Kelly: For me, the goal is to work in a fast-paced environment like emergency or critical care, where I can use my skills to respond quickly and effectively when people need help the most. I also want to be a part of improving the overall patient experience, making healthcare feel less intimidating and more human. Eventually, I’d love to mentor new nurses and help build a strong, supportive community within the profession. I believe that by supporting each other, we can create a ripple effect that improves care for everyone.

Marisa and Kelly Cardwell – twin sisters who decided to pursue their nursing degrees together.

What advice would you give to others considering a career in nursing?

Marisa: My biggest piece of advice is to make sure your heart is in it. Nursing is tough, it’s physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. But if you’re passionate about helping people and willing to work hard, it’s one of the most rewarding careers out there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, lean on your classmates and care for yourself along the way. Nursing is a lifelong learning journey, and it’s okay not to have all the answers right away.

Kelly: Go for it! But go in with open eyes and an open heart. Nursing is more than just textbooks and clinicals. You’ll be challenged in ways you never expected, but you’ll also grow as a person and a professional. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and never underestimate the power of a kind word or a small gesture, it matters more than you know. And most importantly, remember why you started. That ‘why’ will carry you through the hardest days.

Reflecting on the theme of National Nursing Week The Power of Nurses to Transform Health, we asked Marisa and Kelly what this means to them.

For Marisa, the theme represents the unique role nurses play in shaping not just patient outcomes, but the overall healthcare experience. She says, “Personally, it reminds me why I chose this path, because I wanted to be part of something meaningful and make a real difference in people’s lives. Professionally, it highlights the responsibility of future nurses to advocate for our patients, promote health equity, and challenge outdated systems to create positive change. Nurses aren’t just caregivers – we’re educators, leaders, and advocates.”

For Kelly, the theme is empowering. She says, “Personally, it reinforces the idea that even as a student nurse, I have a voice and the potential to make an impact. Coming from a background where I saw gaps in care, it motivates me to be part of the change. Professionally, it means recognizing that nurses are on the front lines of health, not just reacting to illness, but actively shaping healthier communities through education, compassion and innovation. It’s a reminder of the strength and influence that comes with this role.”