October 9, 2025

UNMC Honors Dr. Audrey Nelson’s Contributions to Nursing

Omaha, Nebraska, October 9, 2025

The University of Nebraska Medical Center held a memorial event to honor Dr. Audrey Nelson, a pioneering nurse researcher who improved patient safety and workplace health. The tribute celebrated her innovative research on fall prevention and ergonomics, transforming nursing practices. Attended by over 200 people, the event included personal stories, a video retrospective, and announced the Audrey Nelson Excellence in Nursing Award. UNMC also plans to establish a research lab in her name to continue her legacy in nursing education and practice.

UNMC Pays Tribute to Pioneering Nurse Researcher Dr. Audrey Nelson

Omaha, Nebraska – The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) held a memorial event on October 9, 2025, to honor Dr. Audrey Nelson, a renowned nurse researcher whose work transformed patient safety and workplace health in nursing. The tribute recognized her decades-long career, particularly her innovations in fall prevention and ergonomics, which have influenced healthcare protocols across the nation.

Dr. Nelson, who passed away recently, dedicated over 25 years to advancing nursing practices at UNMC. Her research focused on reducing falls among patients and preventing injuries among healthcare workers through better ergonomic designs. These efforts led to widespread changes in how hospitals and clinics manage safety, making environments safer for both patients and staff. The memorial took place at UNMC’s Durham Outpatient Center, drawing a crowd of more than 200 people from Nebraska and other parts of the Midwest.

Event Highlights and Lasting Impact

The ceremony featured several key elements that celebrated Dr. Nelson’s contributions. Colleagues shared personal accounts of her influence during the event. A video retrospective highlighted milestones from her career, showcasing projects that earned her recognition as a leader in occupational health. One significant outcome of the tribute was the announcement of the Audrey Nelson Excellence in Nursing Award, intended to support emerging researchers in similar fields.

Attendees included former students, healthcare professionals, and university leaders who gathered to reflect on Dr. Nelson’s mentorship style and her commitment to improving nursing standards. Her work not only saved lives by minimizing accident risks but also eased the physical demands on nurses, addressing a common challenge in the profession. This focus on practical solutions has had a ripple effect, influencing training programs and facility designs in hospitals throughout the region.

Dr. Nelson’s Career Milestones

Dr. Nelson’s journey at UNMC began with her PhD dissertation, which became a cornerstone for modern patient safety strategies. This foundational research examined ways to prevent falls in healthcare settings, a problem that affects thousands of patients annually. Building on that, she expanded into ergonomics, studying how nurses could perform their duties without straining their bodies. Over the years, she published more than 100 articles in academic journals, sharing findings that others could apply directly in their work.

Her leadership extended to securing numerous federal grants, which funded studies on workplace safety. These projects allowed UNMC to develop tools and guidelines that reduced injury rates among nursing staff. By emphasizing evidence-based approaches, Dr. Nelson helped shift the nursing field toward more preventive measures, ensuring that her innovations reached beyond Omaha to benefit healthcare systems nationwide.

Plans to Preserve Her Legacy

In addition to the new award, UNMC has committed to dedicating a research lab in Dr. Nelson’s name. This facility will serve as a hub for ongoing studies in nursing safety and ergonomics, allowing future generations to build on her foundation. The lab’s establishment underscores the university’s dedication to continuing her mission of enhancing patient care and supporting healthcare workers. Through these initiatives, Dr. Nelson’s influence will persist in shaping nursing education and practices in Omaha and the broader Midwest.

The memorial event served as a poignant reminder of how individual dedication can drive systemic change in healthcare. Dr. Nelson’s emphasis on combining research with real-world application has left an indelible mark on the profession, inspiring those who attended to carry forward her principles. As UNMC moves ahead with these honors, the focus remains on honoring her memory while addressing ongoing challenges in nursing, such as staff shortages and safety concerns that continue to affect hospitals today.

Overall, the tribute highlighted not just Dr. Nelson’s achievements but also the collaborative spirit she fostered at UNMC. Her work continues to resonate, offering valuable lessons for improving healthcare delivery in an evolving field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the date and location of the memorial event for Dr. Audrey Nelson?

The memorial event took place on October 9, 2025, at UNMC’s Durham Outpatient Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

What were Dr. Audrey Nelson’s main areas of research?

Dr. Audrey Nelson focused on fall prevention for patients and ergonomics to reduce injuries among healthcare workers.

How long did Dr. Audrey Nelson work at the University of Nebraska Medical Center?

Dr. Audrey Nelson spent over 25 years at UNMC.

What recognitions or new initiatives were announced during the tribute?

The event featured the establishment of the Audrey Nelson Excellence in Nursing Award and plans to dedicate a research lab in her name.

How many articles did Dr. Audrey Nelson publish, and what did they cover?

Dr. Audrey Nelson published over 100 articles on occupational health and related topics.

Key Features of Dr. Audrey Nelson’s Contributions

Feature	Description
Research Focus	Fall prevention and ergonomics for healthcare workers, revolutionizing patient safety protocols nationwide.
Career Duration at UNMC	Over 25 years, including leadership in federal grants on occupational health.
Publications	More than 100 articles advancing nursing practices.
Memorial Highlights	Speeches from colleagues, video retrospective, and establishment of the Audrey Nelson Excellence in Nursing Award.
Legacy Initiatives	Dedication of a research lab in her name to continue shaping nursing education and practice in Omaha and the Midwest.