Nebraska Hospital Association

04/29/2026

Introducing Amber Lubben, our new Senior Director of Quality at the Nebraska Hospital Association! Amber has been a nurse for more than 25 years and comes to us from Kearney Regional Medical Center where she served as Director of Quality and Patient Safety.

Her mission is to help advance clinical quality, patient safety, care coordination, and organizational performance across Nebraska's hospitals and health systems. She will be focused on strengthening health care delivery, improving patient outcomes, and supporting our member hospitals through evidence-based education and data driven initiatives.

Welcome to the team, Amber!

04/28/2026

If you spend just a few minutes with Dr. Jason Bruce, you'll notice the warm, approachable spirit he brings to the Nebraska Hospital Association Board of Directors. As a board-certified pediatrician and Chief Operating Officer at Boys Town, ensuring every child feels seen and valued, it makes sense that he is adept at combining expert knowledge with patience and empathy.

Since joining Boys Town in 2006, he has been in a number of leadership roles, always keeping the well-being of Nebraska’s youngest residents at the heart of his work. Beyond the hospital walls, Jason’s care for the community is a way of life. Through multiple volunteer roles, teaching parenting classes, and committee memberships, his actions reflect a deep-seated belief in nurturing the next generation.

Thank you, Dr. Bruce, for all you do for Nebraska health care!

04/27/2026

They say all politics is local, but national decisions often shape how we deliver care in our own backyards. That's why we're excited to announce Carrie Cochran-McLain, Chief Policy Officer with the National Rural Health Association, will be joining us as a keynote speaker at this year’s Rural Health Conference. Join us to get the latest updates on federal policy developments that impact rural communities.

Register today! 🔗https://loom.ly/xXujct4

04/25/2026

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has rolled out a new workforce incentive program for health care workers using Rural Health Transformation (RHTP) funds. More than 40 different health care professions qualify for awards ranging from $7500-$75,000 per year, including doctors, nurses, and other support professionals.

"Most rural hospital employees in the state qualify for this very broad program, so everyone that is an eligible professional should take the opportunity to apply," said Jeremy Nordquist, President and CEO of the Nebraska Hospital Association. "At this time, it is not clear how prioritization will be handled if more applicants apply then there are funds available. To be clear, hospital leaders do not get to decide who receives these bonuses. Decisions about these bonuses will be made by state employees."

Learn more from Nebraska Public Media: https://loom.ly/BV2-FGs

Providers are eligible for up to $75,000 a year and must commit to work in a rural community for five years in a facility that accepts Medicaid. Federal grant money from the One Big Beautiful Bill will fund the initiative.

04/24/2026

Nebraska hospital leaders and NHA staff were on the Hill this week for the American Hospital Association's Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Our hospital leaders bring Nebraska’s voice to the Capitol, advocating for our state's unique needs to be reflected in federal policy. They met with the Nebraska congressional delegation to discuss how we can protect access to care, advance affordability solutions, and strengthen the workforce.

04/23/2026

Heather Brahmsteadt with York General recently shared how impactful the Shared Clinical Model has been for her hospital and staff, building the workforce pipeline and empowering nurses to grow their own.

The Shared Clinical Model turns experienced RNs into Certified Clinical Practice Instructors (CPIs) through an accelerated pathway designed to strengthen rural health care. Supported by direct mentorship from MSN faculty, RNs take the lead in educating students through care planning and evaluation.

By removing financial barriers and providing expert guidance, this model builds a sustainable pipeline of nursing talent for rural communities.

04/22/2026

If you walk the halls of Memorial Community Hospital & Health System Blair, NE, you’ll likely see her there leading the charge with clinical insight and strategic discipline. We know her as a tireless health care advocate who understands that in a community hospital, every patient is a neighbor. This week, we are shining a spotlight on NHA Board Member Manny Banner, a leader whose health care journey started on the front lines as a nurse before transitioning into executive leadership.

Manny has long been a leader of and champion for rural health, advocating both in Nebraska and in Washington, DC for the unique needs of community hospitals and furthering access, availability, and quality of care. Manny always takes a community first approach, and she’s a proud member of the Blair rotary club and the Washington County NE Chamber of Commerce, as well as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Becker's Hospital Review CEO to Know.

Thank you, Manny, for your dedication to health care in Nebraska!

04/21/2026

Nebraska hospitals are stronger when our workforce is strong, and the NHA Workforce Team is committed to making that a reality across the state. From addressing statewide staffing challenges to developing long-term recruitment and training strategies, the team is taking action to help hospitals and the communities they serve thrive.

Recently launched initiatives like NE Health Careers and NHA JobLink, a health care specific job board connecting Nebraska hospitals with qualified candidates across the state and nation, and proven programs like Health Care Heroes, the Shared Clinical Model, and Nurse Internship initiatives, are yielding returns. Every single day, our team is committed to strengthening and sustaining Nebraska’s health care workforce.

Learn more about the Workforce Team’s initiatives, resources, and statewide impact on our website.

🔗https://www.nebraskahospitals.org/workforce

04/20/2026

We are thrilled to announce that legendary University of Nebraska-Lincoln Volleyball Coach John Cook will be a keynote speaker at this year’s Nebraska Rural Health Conference!

Coach Cook knows exactly what it takes to build a winning culture and foster teamwork, values that are just as important in rural health care as they are on the volleyball court.

Don’t miss your chance to hear from a local icon and connect with peers dedicated to the future of Nebraska’s health.

Register today! 🔗https://loom.ly/xXujct4

04/16/2026

The 2026 Nebraska Legislative session is in its final days, with sine die adjournment scheduled for Friday. Behind the scenes, the NHA Advocacy Team have been tireless champions on behalf of patients and providers in the state. Thank you for your late nights, persistence, and commitment to a healthier Nebraska.

And a big thank you to all our members and health care advocates. You wrote letters, testified in committee hearings, met with state senators, and brought a common sense, community perspective to every conversation. Advocacy is a team sport, and this session proved once again that we are stronger together.

04/15/2026

The Nebraska Hospital Association, Nebraska Rural Health Association, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and Creighton University School of Dentistry are partnering to host a Dental Emergencies in Emergency Departments Convening. This is an important and timely topic for Nebraska, and we value your experience and expertise in helping shape the discussion.

Join us on April 27th for a collaborative discussion with representatives from hospitals, clinics, dental schools, the Nebraska Dental Association, and other partners as we explore challenges and develop interventions for dental emergencies in rural and urban emergency departments. Virtual and in-person attendance options are available.

Register today: https://loom.ly/9Tuv1sk

04/14/2026

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services released a reminder today for parents to check if their children are up to date on routine vaccinations. With kindergarten registration plus summer sports and travel season just around the corner, ensuring your little ones are protected against preventable diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough is more important than ever.

Lincoln, NE – Early April is an exciting time for Nebraska families as kindergarten registration gets underway, marking an important milestone for young children. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging parents to ensure their children are ready for both school and upco...