Miriam Hospital receives 1 million to support nursing education

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – After a positive patient experience, Carol and Fred Levinger made a gift of $1 Million to the Miriam Hospital. The funds will create the Carol and Fred Levinger Nursing Excellence Fund to support the Hospital’s nurses with tuition and student loan repayment.

“I cannot overstate the extraordinary level of care our loved one received, or the difference that care made in their outcome,” said Fred Levinger. “It inspired us to give, and recognizing there is a national shortage of nurses, we wanted to do something impactful to make a difference here.”

A big goal of the new fund is to improve the nurse recruitment program and retention program for nurses. The Miriam has received the prized Magnet Distinction for nursing excellence six times. It is only one of a handful of hospitals to get the award.

“The Levinger’s gift represents transformational philanthropy – we are beyond grateful to Carol and Fred for their generosity and for their commitment to the vital role nurses play at The Miriam,” said Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, President of The Miriam Hospital. “Always, but especially during these trying times, we want our nurses and clinical staff to feel valued and appreciated. It is tremendous that we will now be able to invest even more in the skills of our people, directly impacting patient care.”

Added Carol Levinger, “It is one thing to hear or read stories about the difference nurses make in the delivery of care; it is something else entirely when you experience it through a member of your family. The Miriam is a special place when it comes to nursing, and we wanted to give back to help ensure that continues well into the future.”