A generous gift by Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc., will give extra support to the continuing education program for nurses at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. The $10,000 gift is in memory of Clarence "Clancy" Haverty Ridley, who provided longtime service on the boards of Saint Joseph’s Hospital. Ridley was a strong advocate for Saint Joseph's nursing excellence.
Ridley's great grandfather, J.J. Haverty, founded Haverty Furniture Companies in 1885. Ridley served as chairman of the family business from 2000-2010, and Chairman Emeritus until his death in May 2012.
"We are pleased and honored to make this gift to Saint Joseph's Hospital Nursing Continuing Education in memory of our former chairman, Clarence Haverty Ridley," says Clarence H. Smith, chairman, CEO and president of Haverty Furniture Companies. "Clancy cared deeply about the mission of Saint Joseph's Hospital and his support of the nursing program was one of his highest priorities."
In 1995, Saint Joseph's Hospital was the first hospital in Georgia and only the third hospital in the world to receive Magnet designation for excellence in nursing services. Designated by the American Nursing Credentialing Center, an affiliate of the American Nursing Association, the Magnet Recognition Program is considered the gold standard of nursing care. The hospital has consistently earned Magnet recognition since then. Continuing nursing education is required to achieve Magnet recognition.
"We are exceptionally grateful that the Ridley family and Haverty's have shown their confidence in Saint Joseph's nursing in this meaningful way," says Scott Schmidly, CEO of Saint Joseph’s Hospital. "We are committed to incorporating continuous professional development and enhanced learning in the workplace for our nurses. This is one of the many reasons Saint Joseph’s nursing staff has enjoyed an exceptional reputation nationally and provides the citizens of Atlanta with progressive, high quality care. This gift from Haverty’s will allow Saint Joseph's nurses to continue their education through conferences, training courses and higher education."
Nurses are also involved in research opportunities throughout the hospital.