Former nurse, Barbara M. Jones, continues care through giving

As head of the Nursing Division at Swedish Covenant Hospital for 14 years, Barbara M. Jones, understands the value of high quality hospital care. On establishing a charitable gift annuity with the Swedish Covenant Hospital Foundation, she says, “I have always been impressed with the hospital’s commitment to excellent patient care, their high ethical standards, and the strong staff they have in all areas.”Barbara entered the nursing profession in the 1950s, graduating from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing ’52, then Wheaton College ’56 (BSN), and then the University of Pittsburgh ’66 (MNEd). A daughter of Welsh immigrants, her parents urged both Barbara and her sister to get a good education and stressed the importance of learning. Over the years, Barbara held a variety of nursing positions. She also taught nursing, and eventually retired as vice president of nursing at Swedish Covenant Hospital in 1995. She says, “There are so many opportunities in nursing to do different and interesting things.”Currently, Barbara enjoys traveling to hear her favorite opera singer, Welsh bass baritone, Bryn Terfel. She also serves on the boards of local and national Welsh organizations. She was awarded the Dewi Sant award for “outstanding service to the Welsh community,” and the Outstanding Service Award from Kappa Nu Nursing Honor Society at North Park University.Her gift to Swedish Covenant Hospital Foundation will help support nursing through continuing education, advanced degrees and educational technologies. The charitable gift annuity she established shortly after retiring provides her with life-long income while also making a meaningful donation. “The nursing and medical staff are of the highest quality, as are all of the supportive services.” Barbara explains, “If we wish institutions like Swedish Covenant to thrive in the future, it is important that we provide financial support.