Shining a Spotlight on Lynne Buchanan

Academy Member Since 2025
Associate Professor, UNMC College of Nursing
Bio

What do you do at UNMC?
As a faculty member at the UNMC College of Nursing, I play a vital role in shaping the next generation of nursing professionals through innovative teaching and mentorship. I design and deliver graduate-level coursework that integrates clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, and leadership development. My responsibilities include advising students, doctoral students, evaluating academic progress, and fostering a supportive learning environment. I contribute to scholarly activities, including research and publication, that advance nursing science and improve patient care. Collaborating with colleagues across disciplines, I help drive curriculum development and program improvement. My work as an educator and clinician strengthens the academic mission of UNMC and prepares future nurse leaders to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.

Tell us about your educational research interests and teaching role.
My educational research interests focus on advancing adult-gerontology nursing education through innovative teaching strategies, clinical simulation, and interprofessional collaboration. I explore methods to enhance critical thinking, clinical judgment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based practice among graduate nursing students. In my teaching role at UNMC College of Nursing, I design and deliver graduate-level coursework that integrates theory with real-world application. I am committed to mentoring future nurse practitioners and fostering a dynamic learning environment that prepares them for leadership in complex healthcare systems. I excel in online teaching roles and recently completed an online certification course.

What is one of your favorite/memorable teaching moments?
One of my memorable teaching moments was witnessing the graduation of a student who was from a background of financial strain and working while going to school to support children. This person confided in me their dream was to be a nurse, and they wanted a better life for self and family. They also confided they felt they didn’t belong in our program not because they weren't smart and talented but because they did not have the social capital and understanding of how to work in complex systems and organizations. This student had faced significant personal and systemic challenges, and their journey was marked by self-doubt and isolation. Through consistent coaching, mentoring, and support systems they were able to work through challenges and find resources. We have good success coaches and services in the college, and this student would not have made it through without these services. The day I hooded this student at graduation was a moment I won't forget and reminded me why we do what we do. This moment was not just about academic achievement but was a testament to resilience. I knew this student would help others through the knowledge and skills they gained about the importance of building social capital to get through stressful times and to not quit.

What do you see as the biggest benefit to being a member of the IAE?
I am interested in educational scholarship and technology innovation integration into the curriculum to alleviate faculty workload and to make a better-quality curriculum for learning. I have had the God given opportunity and blessing to work in different countries and cultures including in Europe and the Middle East. I have met people from all over the world. The biggest benefit I see as a member in the Interprofessional Academy of Educators is an opportunity to collaborate not only between disciplines but also with people who have what I call cultural and social awareness. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more from others who are dedicated contributors to education, research, scholarship and continuous lifelong learning. We should never stop learning and achieving no matter what our age.

What is the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice I ever received was from my mother. She taught me that life is hard, don't give up, and that while material comforts are important, they are not the things we will be remembered for.