From bedside care to community outreach, nurses treat illnesses, promote healing and recovery, prevent complications, drive health care innovation and empower patients and their families. Involved in every stage of health care delivery, they are vital for maintaining access to high-quality care. And, they are in short supply; in Nebraska, more than 1,280 registered nurses will be needed by 2030.
It’s never too late to become a nurse and – like infinite kaleidoscope patterns – opportunities abound across rural and urban clinics and hospitals, and in research labs, classrooms and more. Here, you’ll meet an array of individuals – from nurse scientists and political advocates to specialty and forensic nurses – who love the challenges, rewards and opportunities found in safeguarding public health.
Wende Heckert, DNP
Family nurse practitioner, owner Heckert Health Center LLC
Raised in Neligh, Nebraska; now in Norfolk, Nebraska
“My aunt Nancy was a nurse. At the time, she was the only medical professional in my family. She was cool, smart and reminded me to stand up for my patients no matter what. People needing care are at their most vulnerable; we need to be sure they have an advocate.
“I had the opportunity to start in a rural hospital at age 16 as a nursing assistant. We learned on the job how to take care of people, and I worked with a fantastic group of nurses. I ‘just knew’ this is what I wanted to do.
“One of the nursing supervisors I worked with in high school and college was in a new program at UNMC for nurse practitioners. She interviewed me for a paper she was writing. To say I was intrigued is an understatement. Two years later, I was accepted into UNMC’s family nurse practitioner program at the Kearney Division.
“Nursing is one of the most rewarding, stressful and honorable professions. It is not for the faint of heart. You must be willing to immerse yourself in studying, reflecting and putting the needs of others above yours. And, it is not like it is on TV. Be prepared to work nights, weekends, holidays, call, short of staff, etc. That is the unglamorous part, but there is great personal satisfaction in helping someone come to a state of wellness, health, safety and security.
“Moments that stand out? When someone says, ‘thank you,’ ‘you saved my life…’ or ‘I’m glad you are here.’ And, of course, working for and obtaining four degrees. The best review I ever had from a student is still my favorite: ‘She is tough but fair.’
“I tell others: Stay teachable. Think with your head and listen with your heart. Be an agent of change. Always help be part of the solution.”
Molly Murphy, BSN
U.S. Army captain, pediatric intensive care nurse
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
Native of Lone Tree, Colorado
“I wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember, and I’m fortunate to have had a dream from a young age that has never changed. I knew it was the right fit the moment I stepped into the ICU as a nursing student. My patient coded on my first day and I stood in the corner terrified as I watched the organized chaos. In that moment, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
“In August 2015, my sorority sister brought me to an ROTC recruiter my first week of school and they asked me to do a physical fitness test the following day. I am competitive and enjoy working out and realized I could get paid to do both and get free tuition for nursing school. I signed up moments after finishing the two-mile run.
“There is a position for every type of person in nursing, from admin to clinic to critical care. It is a career where you can continue to challenge yourself. I work in the PICU, but consistently float to the STICU (surgical trauma intensive care unit), MICU (medical intensive care unit), peds ward and even NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).
“If I weren’t a nurse, I’d be a kindergarten teacher or try out for the Army Special Forces. These two sides of me are why Army nursing worked out so well.
“My proudest moment has been becoming the first female nurse to graduate Ranger School (2024). I am hoping it shows the Special Forces the capabilities of nurses.”
Haley Hays, DNP
Interim assistant dean, clinical assistant professor, UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division
Nurse practitioner, lead APP and partner, Aligned Providers of Wyoming
Native of Torrington, Wyoming, now in Scottsbluff, Nebraska
“In sixth grade, I discovered the role of advanced practice nursing, which sparked a lasting interest. Nursing provides a sense of purpose, fulfillment and self-worth. It allows me to witness the direct impact of my work on patients’ lives, reinforcing my belief that I am contributing to something greater than myself. The ability to offer comfort, promote healing and advocate for patients affirmed that nursing was a calling that aligned with my values and desire to make a difference.
“My passion has always centered on small-town and rural medicine. I couldn’t do this job without my colleagues, who have become like family. The camaraderie, support and shared sense of purpose make the most challenging days manageable.
“My favorite part is the ability to develop deep, personal connections with my patients and community. There also is a greater degree of autonomy and responsibility compared to an urban area. A day in the life of a rural health care provider can vary drastically and allows for broader utilization of clinical skills. It’s an honor to provide patients with high-quality care in the communities they call home.”
Katrina Brown
Forensic nurse examiner team lead, registered nurse 4, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Native of Fort Collins, Colorado; now in Nashville, Tennessee
“With nursing, the work didn’t feel like ‘work.’ It felt like it was part of who I am and something I could be good at…it felt like a calling.
“I moved to Nashville and fell in love with the emergency department; I enjoyed being a jack-of-all-trades…As I gained experience, I was interested in complex patient scenarios where the legal system and health care overlapped, but didn’t know that forensic nursing was a specialty. At the time, we didn’t have a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) or forensic nurse examiner program, so I went on to become a clinical staff leader and then, when the then-mayor of Nashville created an initiative to increase access to care for sexual assault victims, I jumped on board and completed SANE training. Eventually, I was gifted leadership of the program.
“In October 2024, I was awarded the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s National Magnet Nurse of the Year Award for the Structural Empowerment Magnet component. I go to work every day and do a job I love, and to be recognized for that motivates me to keep going.”
Kristine Benda
Clinical instructor, Graduate Pediatric Acute Care and Primary Care Program, UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division
UNMC faculty practice/pediatric nurse practitioner, Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance, Nebraska
Native of Hemingford, Nebraska; now in Scottsbluff, Nebraska
“As a nurse, you are part of life-changing moments with patients and their families. Some are joyous; others are devastating. I feel humbled to be a part of my patients’ life story. While I hope to touch many individuals’ lives, I often find that my patients and families will forever impact mine.
“I was a pediatric nurse practitioner for 10 years before I took a faculty position at UNMC. When I hesitated to step away from practicing full time, my brother Jeff said, ‘Kristine, think of how many patients’ lives you can impact if you teach other students to become a nurse and PNP like you.’ My brother has since passed away from aplastic anemia (I was his bone marrow donor), and his words will forever reside in my soul. It is an honor to teach future generations of nurses and PNP students. Plus, I still get to practice as a PNP one day a week.
“It’s the humanistic, individualistic, spiritual and empathetic-based care that I am passionate about, but the hard days teach us the most. The meaning of fail is just the ‘first attempt in learning.’
“I am excited to advance into the nurse scientist role with my PhD. I was honored and humbled to be selected as one of 63 PhD students nationwide as a Jonas Scholar. I am living my proudest moment.”
Karen Tejcka
Retired chief operating officer/chief nurse executive, Kaiser Permanente
Native of Lincoln, Nebraska; now in Carlsbad, California
“There is no higher honor than to care for others. Look for the opportunities that ground you and make your heart sing. Take advantage of training programs offered by your employer and pursue advanced degrees. Nursing is in high demand and often cited by research organizations as being the most trusted profession.
“As a registered nurse, I was fortunate to progress my career in health care leadership and happy to prove wrong those who said, ‘Once a nurse, always a nurse.’ I knew having a nursing background was an advantage in creating health care systems responsive to population needs.
“Giving professionals need to replenish their joy and seeing how we make a difference every day does this for me. Remember: One nurse can make an immense difference.”
Traci Haglund
Administrator, Wakefield (NE) Health Care Center and Assisted Living
Native of Wakefield, Nebraska
“During college, I worked at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska, as a dietary aide and later as a phlebotomist. I loved connecting with people, and nursing seemed like a natural career choice due to the interactions.
“I have worked in many different settings from long-term care to critical access hospital to home health; each sector brought different challenges and helped me develop as an individual, teacher and leader. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was on the board for my community’s nursing home when we needed to make an administrative change. I offered to become the interim administrator for 30 days because I had my MSN in nurse lead/executive specialty from UNMC. I also had knowledge of trauma and emergency preparedness and employees and a board who believed I would be a positive leader. Long story short, I made a big difference in a short time and chose to stay.
“Nursing has so many opportunities; there is bound to be something that connects with you.”
Shelly Cannon Stansbury
Part-time nurse/preceptor, post-anesthesia care unit, Lutheran Hospital (Intermountain Health) in Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Native of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; now in Evergreen, Colorado
“My mother (Mary Lou “Lou” Keating Cannon) was a nurse, graduating with her BSN in 1955 from UNMC. She was proud of her college degree, as it was rare for that time. She instilled in me a sense of pride, honor and purpose in our profession. Both her daughters went on to become nurses. Now, my daughter (Savannah Stansbury) carries on that proud tradition graduating in 2015 from UNMC’s Lincoln Division – 33 years after my graduation in 1982 with a BSN!
“When you combine the science of nursing with being able to care for people – what’s not to love? It is the best profession ever! You can do so many things with one degree. I have nursing friends who worked on the Mercy Ships, at Club Med in Turks & Caicos and as flight nurses. They’ve also served as missionaries in Africa, and in school nursing, prison nursing, hospitals and community health. There are so many opportunities.
“I love when my patients want to hug me because I made an impact on their stay. I love the team aspect because you can’t do it alone. I love the intellectual stimulation. From the time my daughters were in school, they stopped asking, ‘What did you do today, mommy?’ and began asking, ‘Who did you help today?’ Pretty special.”
Tara Stull
Registered nurse, transitioning into the ICU
Native of Bridgeport, Nebraska; now in Spearfish, South Dakota
“Growing up, I had an acquaintance who worked in the newborn nursery as a registered nurse. That really interested me. I knew I wanted to get my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and UNMC had a campus close to me.
“Knowing I could work in numerous areas of nursing, wherever I lived, appealed to me; I learned something valuable from each area – med/surg, surgery, ED, OB, flight nursing, and everything in between.
“The love of flight nursing, the challenges, and the never-ending learning remind me why I love being a nurse.
“My proudest moment? It’s a combination of interactions with patients and their family members. It’s a feeling of pride and responsibility when a person entrusts you to save the life of their loved one. It’s holding the hand of a scared child during transport to another facility. It’s hearing the praise of a receiving physician of a job well done caring for a critical patient.”
Douglass Haas, DNP
Clinical assistant professor, UNMC College of Nursing Kearney Division
Native of Oshkosh, Nebraska; now in Kearney
“I began my nursing career in high school as a certified nursing assistant in a nursing home run by Garden County Health Services.
“Each clinical rotation in nursing school reinforced that this was an essential and rewarding profession. Helping patients heal or understand their disease processes, even when treatments failed, felt profoundly fulfilling.
“The critical thinking and problem-solving required are intense, but seeing patients progress toward recovery or a dignified end-of-life is worth it.
“The anxiety I feel when my car requires maintenance or something in my home needs technical assessment is alleviated by turning to and trusting experts in their fields. This is what my patients expect when they enter the health care system. They often are frightened and confused and rely on me to guide them safely through the process.
“My proudest moment was witnessing the nursing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a former president of the Nebraska Nurses Association, I saw nurses tackle unprecedented challenges with resilience and adaptability. I feel immense pride in the daily contributions of nurses.”
Mary Moller, PhD(h), DNP
Director of psychiatric services, Northwest Integrated Health in Tacoma, Washington
Native of Blair, Nebraska
“I originally pursued nursing because flight attendants had to be registered nurses, and I knew I wanted to travel. Then the requirement changed, but all the women in my family are nurses so I decided it was right for me as well!
“The biggest impact on my career was unfortunately one that necessitated leaving Nebraska. That was hard to do. I felt called to move to eastern Washington and establish the first independent, advanced practice rural psychiatric clinic in the United States, 14 miles northwest of Spokane. At the time, only the states of Washington, Oregon and Arkansas had full practice authority, and it was my opportunity to create a treatment model that involved wellness promotion for psychiatry, something that didn’t take off nationally for decades!
“My proudest moments include being named Professional of the Year by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, being elected president of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and having the textbook I co-authored awarded the American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year in psychiatric nursing.
“To those interested in nursing: Determine what intrigues you about the profession. Ask yourself: What aspect of caregiving feels like it would be rewarding? Is there a specific patient population that interests you? And, then job-shadow a variety of nurses and see what the day-to-day health care world is like.”