Shining a Spotlight on Dr. Missy Ofe Fleck
Academy Member Since 2017
Assistant Professor, College of Nursing - Omaha Campus
Bio
What do you do at UNMC?
As a nurse educator, my responsibilities include teaching in the undergraduate and graduate programs. My undergraduate work includes teaching students in my specialty area which is women’s and infant health including opportunities in the didactic, clinical and simulation arenas. As the specialty coordinator of the Clinical Nurse Leader master’s program, I prepare graduate students for advanced-level nursing practice focusing on leadership, quality improvement, communication and care coordination to influence health care outcomes. I also enjoy assisting youth in the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), being a faculty mentor and playing an active role in the development of our new competency-based curriculum.
Tell us about your educational research interests and teaching role.
I am currently working with a small research team on the concept of belongingness and staff nurses being a part in making a difference during student clinical experiences. The provision of safe and effective nursing care involves nurturing students in making sound critical thinking and clinical judgment decisions under our direction. Positive nursing student outcomes rely on effective teaching models, real-world clinical experiences and healthy workplace environments by all team members in fostering a sense of belonging.
What is one of your favorite/memorable teaching moments?
I am extremely grateful to be able to do what I love, which is being a nurse and teaching. Every workday is rewarding and memorable! I let all students know what I simply want from them is exactly what they want, and that is success. It is richly gratifying when a student connects the dots and the light bulb goes off. Yet, this career can also be quite humbling which keeps me retooling my efforts. Because I have been doing this for 35 years, it is also energizing to hear stories from practicing nurses who were former students. They are so appreciative of how we cultivated their learning.
What do you see as the biggest benefit to being a member of the IAE?
I sincerely take pleasure in meeting other IAE members from different disciplines and departments and sharing educational experiences and resources.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you "grew up" and why?
As a young kid, I always enjoyed science coursework and admired many positive teacher role models. In my teenage years, I worked in a senior living facility as a certified nurse aide and taught Sunday School and swimming lessons. My older sister was a nurse, so I was highly attracted to her career and my folks encouraged me to consider a profession. It just seemed like I was already merging my teaching and nursing interests and preparing myself for this calling long before it all fell into place.