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Mary Wendl |
Gov. Dave Heineman has given her the chance by appointing her to a two-year term on the Nebraska Center for Nursing Board.
The Legislature created the center in 2000 to help face the shortage of nurses in the state by recruiting new nurses, identifying and promoting successful retention strategies and increasing the enrollment capacity of Nebraska’s nursing education programs.
“I thought it was a worthwhile cause and I wanted to be a part of it,” Wendl said of the center’s mission.
Earlier in her career, Wendl spent 10 years as a registered nurse at the former St. Joseph’s Hospital in Omaha. She then joined the hospital’s occupational health department and became a caregiver for nurses and other employees of the hospital.
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Her experience by the bedside, as well as in the educational field, has given her insight she believes will suit her well during her appointment.
“My nursing career has allowed me to see nursing from various viewpoints and gives me an understanding of the nursing shortage issues and their complexity,” Wendl said. “I look forward to working with the board in making progress on these goals.”
Her experience makes her a perfect fit for her appointment, said Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs at UNMC.
“Mary is just the sort of proponent that is needed to serve on this board,” Bartee said. “As the state moves forward in facing this nursing shortage, we will need people such as Mary to highlight the true virtues that make nursing careers rewarding and worthwhile.
“I thank Gov. Heineman for choosing Mary for this position. I know he’ll be pleased by her contributions to the board.”