In recognition of nurses and the impact they have on a community’s
health, local residents Reg and Diana Murphy recently presented Southeast
Georgia Health System Foundation with a $50,000 grant to establish the
Maelil Scholars Program for registered nurses. The announcement took place
on May 12, the birthdate of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing.
The 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).
The Maelil Scholars Program will assist Southeast Georgia Health System
registered nurses who are seeking specialty certification in challenging,
high intensity practice environments within inpatient settings.
Addressing nurses in the audience, Murphy stated, “Our mothers were
great caregivers. In honor of their persistence, grace and achievements,
and in recognition of the exceptional work you do every day as nurses
and how important you are to the health of our community, we are very
pleased to offer you this opportunity to advance your professional development.”
Designed to enhance clinical skills and quality care while minimizing barriers
to specialty certification and advancement, the Maelil Scholars Program
will support 50 to 80 nurses, over a two-year period, with participation
in a live certification exam preparatory course; payment of the specialty
certification exam; and, recognition and ongoing support as a Maelil Scholar.
The program will include eight courses, with one targeted specialty course
per quarter, along with the related examinations. Approximately 40 nurses
working in high-intensity practice settings will be offered the opportunity
to participate annually.
“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.”
Donations to the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation directly support
patient care and staff development. For more information, please call
912-466-3360 or visit
wearethefoundation.org.