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Legendary nursing administrator Carol Wilson — pictured with her schnauzers, Happy and Frosty — died Friday at 82 after a four-year battle with colon cancer. |
Wilson, 82, spent her entire career at the University of Nebraska Hospital, which combined with Clarkson Hospital in 1997 to become The Nebraska Medical Center. She served nearly 40 years as director of nursing and later in her career as assistant director for health services administration. She retired in 1992. At Wilson’s request, no memorial service will be held.
In the 1980s, Wilson was one of the first nurse administrators in Nebraska to implement the care delivery model known as primary nursing in which one nurse would be accountable for all nursing care received by a patient during a hospital stay. She was known for her persistence in pursuing excellence in patient care by supporting the role of the staff nurse and nursing manager/administrator through formal and informal education, innovation in care at the bedside and participation in professional organizations.
Wilson earned her bachelor’s degree from Park College, Parkville, Mo., in 1947 and her graduate nursing degree in 1951 from the University of Nebraska School of Nursing. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1956 in nursing service administration and education.
“The College of Nursing mourns the loss of a dear and longtime friend. Carol Wilson was the face of nursing excellence at University Hospital for many years,” said Virginia Tilden, D.N.Sc., dean of the UNMC College of Nursing. “She was a long-standing friend of the college and played key roles in bringing the history museum to life and having a significant, continuous presence on the board of the College of Nursing’s Alumni Association. Personally, I will deeply miss Carol’s quiet and steadfast presence, her warm sense of humor and her deep love of the nursing profession. Losing Carol leaves us with a hole in our heart.”
Wilson was a pioneer in improving nursing rights, benefits and economic rewards, thanks to her persistence both at University Hospital and in professional organizations. An advocate of membership in professional organizations, Wilson was active in the American Nurses Association and held officer positions in the Nebraska Nurses Association and the UNMC College of Nursing Alumni Association.
She was elected into the Gamma Pi chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and also served on the Visiting Nurses Association board of directors for 15 years.
Wilson was recognized with several awards from the Nebraska Nurses Association for her continuing leadership in supporting the growth of the nursing profession. The most recent of these awards was the 2005 Nebraska Nurses Association Distinguished Service Award. In 1992, she was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the UNMC College of Nursing Alumni Association, the highest honor given by the association.
Her support of nursing education continues to be acknowledged through the creation of the annual Carol M. Wilson lecture as part of the State of the Art Nursing Conference held each year by The Nebraska Medical Center, the UNMC College of Nursing and Clarkson College. In addition, the Carol M. Wilson Award for Quality in Nursing Practice is presented annually to a registered nurse at The Nebraska Medical Center during National Nurses Week.
Wilson’s personal interests included playing bridge as well as raising and showing schnauzers. She was a member of the Bellevue Dog Obedience Club and the Companion Club.
Memorials may be sent to the University of Nebraska Foundation — College of Nursing, Visiting Nurses Association or Dundee Presbyterian Church.
Wilson was preceded in death by her parents, Leland and Frances Wilson, and a sister, Betty Ann.
What others are saying:
“Carol had no family, but she leaves behind a large group of friends. She had tons of friends in nursing as well as through her involvement in playing bridge and showing dogs. She was a remarkable woman, who really remained involved in nursing after she retired.”
Maureen Johnson, longtime friend of Wilson and a nurse for The Nebraska Medical Center
“Carol was a woman who dedicated her life to nursing and excellence in patient care, who fought for what she believed in and wasn’t shy about standing up for her convictions, and who cared deeply but wasn’t overly demonstrative. She loved her schnauzers and playing bridge and left behind many good friends and colleagues who were fortunate to have shared in her life.”
Patty Sherman, UNMC Director of Development, University of Nebraska Foundation
“Carol was visionary in her nursing leadership at University Hospital. She never looked back, because according to Carol, ‘It’s the future that matters.'”
Gloria O’Dowd, longtime friend of Wilson who retired in 2006 after 43 years as a nurse for University Hospital and The Nebraska Medical Center
“Carol was a very proud and loyal alumnus. Despite her health care challenges, she was even in attendance at this year’s alumni reunion in October. She was a unique individual who will long be remembered for what she contributed to the university and the nursing profession.”
Kim Cuda, director, UNMC alumni affairs
“Carol was a major part of the medical center for many years. She was quite a pioneer in nursing and was a tremendous advocate for nurses. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and colleagues.”
Amy Longo, former nurse who now is an attorney for the Omaha law firm of Ellick Jones Buelt Blazek & Longo and worked closely with Wilson over the years on UNMC legal matters