Nursing leaders surprise William Connolly IV with the news of the Neskey Scholarship. From left: Margaret Higgins, Bee Baldeo, William Connolly IV, Julia Mason, Michaelle Renard and Nada Wakim.

William “Bill” Connolly, IV has been caring for others since he was young. After his stepfather passed, he quickly stepped up to help his mother look after his two siblings. This early experience of responsibility marked the beginning of his journey into the field of caregiving.

Last month, he achieved a milestone on this journey when he was named the 2024 Neskey Educational Opportunity Scholarship recipient. Established in 2018 by the Neskey family, the scholarship honors the extraordinary care Sharon Neskey received at the Brigham from a patient care associate (PCA). Each year, these scholarships support PCAs and similar roles, including medical assistants, in completing their bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

“This scholarship is, quite literally, life-changing,” said Connolly, who has served as a PCA in the Float Pool for the last nine years.

Journey to Patient Care

In high school, Connolly began his professional career in the medical field by obtaining his Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license. He worked at a nursing home before deciding to study business management at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

However, he wasn’t quite ready to leave the medical field. In 2015, he joined Brigham and Women’s Hospital as a PCA in the Float Pool, where he found fulfillment.

His commitment to excellence and continuous learning was evident as he became one of the first PCAs in the Float Pool to be trained in basic phlebotomy skills and played a crucial role in helping to increase lab draws by PCAs. He also advanced to the role of Lead PCA, working with medical staff to place central lines and ensure safe care.

Connolly’s exceptional patient care and leadership have not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition through a TULIP Award.

“Bill has risen to the challenge the PCA position presents each day and works with all of us to assure excellent care is provided to our patients,” shared Allison Webster, DNP, RN, NE-BC, nurse director of the ICU, Intermediate, and PCA Float Pools. “He has excelled in the roles he has held and has mentored and trained new PCAs. His compassion is evident in all of his daily interactions.”

From PCA to Nursing Scholar

Connolly’s unwavering passion for patient care has led him to pursue a degree in nursing at the University of Massachusetts Boston, supported by the Neskey Educational Opportunity Scholarship.

This scholarship will enable Connolly to focus on his studies while reducing his work hours, allowing him to commit to his educational journey fully. In his application for the scholarship, Connolly reflected on his nine years as a PCA at the Brigham:

“Every day is a new experience and I’ve loved a vast majority of them. It empowers me to feel part of a care team and to have a positive impact on these individuals, usually sending them home healthy. Personally, I also have been that family in the ICU waiting room; I have been in the bed. I know how I felt and want to be who I needed for these people now. My pride comes from small smiles and the rare thank yous, always remembering little things can make a difference.”

Looking ahead, Connolly envisions making a significant impact in critical care and emergency room nursing, drawing from his childhood experiences and extensive clinical expertise.