Earlier this year, local residents Reg and Diana Murphy presented a $50,000
grant to the
Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation to establish the MaeLil Scholars program for registered nurses seeking
specialty certifications in challenging, high intensity practice environments
within inpatient settings.
On Tuesday, December 21, the Health System held its first MaeLil Scholars
pinning ceremony to recognize Melissa M. Hirsch, BSN, R.N., CCRN and Ethan
A. Harper, BSN, R.N., CCRN, for achieving Critical Care Registered Nurse
certifications through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
A native of Glynn County, Harper has been with the Health System for more
than two years. Prior to joining the Health System, he served in the Navy
as a hospital corpsman for five years. Hirsch, a Chicago native, joined
the Health System 3-1/2 years ago.
“We are especially grateful to Diana and Reg Murphy for the broad
support they have bestowed on our community,” said
Michael D. Scherneck, president and CEO, Southeast Georgia Health System. “The MaeLil Scholars program,
which was created in honor of each of their mothers, offers critical care
nurses a great opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills. We commend
Melissa and Ethan for going the extra mile during an unprecedented time
to become the inaugural honorees under this great program.”
The MaeLil Scholars Program grant is made possible through the generosity
of the MaeLil Charitable Fund, a Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation
component fund established by Reg Murphy (son of Mae) and Diana Mather
Murphy (daughter of Lil). Designed to enhance clinical skills and quality
care while minimizing barriers to specialty certification and advancement,
the MaeLil Scholars Program offers support to nurses participating in
certification exam preparatory courses.
“We have many nurses who aspire to grow professionally and advance
their knowledge, skills and practice,” said Christine Kipp, interim
vice president, Patient Care Services. “We are very grateful to
Diana and Reg Murphy for their generosity and the opportunities the MaeLil
Scholars Program gives our nurses.”