Omaha, Nebraska, October 8, 2025
The UNMC community is grieving the loss of Dr. Audrey Nelson, a pioneering nursing researcher whose work transformed patient safety practices. Dr. Nelson, who passed away at 72, significantly contributed to safe patient handling and injury prevention strategies in healthcare, influencing national standards and establishing a scholarship fund in her memory to support future nursing researchers.
UNMC Mourns Loss of Pioneering Nursing Researcher Audrey Nelson, PhD
Omaha, Nebraska – The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) community is grieving the recent passing of Audrey Nelson, PhD, a trailblazing researcher and leader whose work transformed patient safety practices in healthcare. Dr. Nelson died at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy that has reduced injuries among healthcare workers nationwide. Her contributions, particularly in safe patient handling, have influenced national standards and improved conditions for nurses and medical staff across the country.
Dr. Nelson’s innovations focused on evidence-based lifting techniques and ergonomics, which have prevented countless injuries and saved lives by ensuring safer ways for healthcare professionals to assist patients. These methods addressed common risks in clinical settings, such as back strains from manual lifting, and became foundational in modern nursing protocols. Her efforts not only enhanced workplace safety but also elevated the overall quality of patient care.
Memorial Event Honors Her Impact
The university held a memorial event on campus today, drawing over 300 attendees including colleagues, students, and family members. The gathering served as a tribute to Dr. Nelson’s unwavering commitment to nurses’ well-being and her passion for advancing ergonomics in healthcare. Participants reflected on her career, which spanned more than 30 years at UNMC, and how her research directly benefited those on the front lines of medicine.
As part of the commemoration, UNMC established a scholarship fund in Dr. Nelson’s name. This initiative aims to support aspiring nursing researchers, ensuring that her dedication to innovation continues through the next generation of professionals. The fund will provide financial assistance for studies in patient safety and related fields, fostering ongoing advancements in healthcare practices.
Research and Policy Contributions
During her extensive tenure, Dr. Nelson authored over 150 publications and spearheaded major studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Her work delved into injury prevention strategies, offering practical solutions that institutions could implement immediately. One of her key achievements was developing comprehensive programs for safe patient handling, which involved training modules, equipment recommendations, and policy guidelines tailored to diverse healthcare environments.
Beyond academia, Dr. Nelson extended her influence to public health policy. She advised the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on initiatives to curb workplace injuries in medical settings. Her expertise helped shape federal recommendations, ensuring that safe handling practices were integrated into broader standards. This advisory role amplified the reach of her research, affecting healthcare protocols far beyond Nebraska’s borders.
Plans for Enduring Legacy
In recognition of her profound impact, UNMC announced plans to dedicate a research lab in Dr. Nelson’s honor. This facility will focus on continuing her work in patient safety and ergonomics, serving as a hub for future investigations into healthcare worker protections. The lab will equip students and researchers with resources to build on her evidence-based approaches, maintaining momentum in an area she championed throughout her career.
Dr. Nelson’s journey at UNMC began over three decades ago, where she rose through the ranks to become a respected authority in nursing research. Her early studies highlighted the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among nurses, prompting a shift toward preventive measures. By combining rigorous scientific inquiry with practical application, she bridged the gap between theory and real-world implementation, making healthcare safer for everyone involved.
The loss of Dr. Nelson marks a poignant moment for UNMC and the wider nursing community, but her innovations continue to resonate. The scholarship fund and forthcoming research lab underscore the university’s commitment to perpetuating her vision. As healthcare evolves, her emphasis on worker safety remains a cornerstone, influencing training programs and policies that protect those who care for others.
Throughout her career, Dr. Nelson’s focus on patient safety and ergonomics not only reduced injury rates but also empowered nurses to perform their duties with greater confidence. Her contributions have had a lasting effect on Nebraska’s healthcare education landscape and beyond, ensuring that future professionals inherit a safer, more efficient framework for their work.
This event and the initiatives it inspired highlight the vital role of dedicated researchers like Dr. Nelson in shaping modern medicine. As UNMC moves forward, her legacy will guide efforts to address ongoing challenges in patient care and staff well-being.
FAQ
Who was Audrey Nelson, PhD?
Audrey Nelson, PhD, was a pioneering researcher and leader in patient safety at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), renowned for her work on safe patient handling that influenced national standards and reduced injuries for healthcare workers.
What was the cause of Dr. Nelson’s passing?
The provided information does not specify the cause of Dr. Nelson’s passing; she died recently at the age of 72.
What innovations did Dr. Nelson develop?
Dr. Nelson developed evidence-based lifting techniques that saved countless lives and improved workplace conditions for healthcare workers.
What event was held to honor Dr. Nelson?
UNMC held a memorial event on campus attended by over 300 colleagues, students, and family members, where speakers shared stories of her passion for ergonomics and advocacy for nurses’ well-being.
What new initiative was announced in Dr. Nelson’s name?
A scholarship fund was established in Dr. Nelson’s name to support future nursing researchers.
What were Dr. Nelson’s key professional achievements?
Dr. Nelson authored over 150 publications and led major NIH-funded studies during her 30-year career at UNMC, and she advised the CDC on injury prevention.
What future plans does UNMC have to honor Dr. Nelson?
UNMC plans to dedicate a research lab in her honor to ensure her impact endures in Nebraska’s healthcare education.
Key Features of Audrey Nelson’s Legacy
The following table outlines the key aspects of Dr. Nelson’s contributions and commemorative efforts at UNMC.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This TopicHERE ResourcesOmaha’s Healthcare Revolution with $2.19 Billion Initiative 
Author: HERE OMAHA
HERE OMAHA
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