Nebraska Hospital Association

03/17/2026

Last week, we kicked off our 2026 Leadership Institute!

This year-long program, in collaboration with Bellevue University, brings together emerging and mid-level leaders from hospitals across Nebraska to build core leadership competencies, apply practical skills, and deepen their understanding of the unique challenges facing health care organizations. Through nine sessions, the participants will gain practical tools, grow their confidence, and prepare for the next step in their leadership journey, while helping shape the future of their organizations.

We are excited for the year ahead!

03/16/2026

In health care, just like on the court, teamwork and precision are everything.

Nebraska is looking for health care heroes. A career where you matter. Caring for your neighbors.

Join the team. Learn more at NEHealthCareers.com.

03/15/2026

Our thoughts are with the families and communities in Western Nebraska currently facing the devastating impacts of wildfires. We are incredibly grateful for the heroic efforts of fire departments and first responders from across the state who are working tirelessly to protect life and property and the dedicated medical teams, nurses, physicians, and staff at our hospitals on the frontline providing care.

Stay safe, Nebraska.

03/12/2026

Spotlighting an incredible NHA board member, our Vice Chair Kelly Driscoll. Kelly is a leader with many acronyms - CEO, MHA, FACHE, and possibly our favorite, RN (shoutout to all our nurses!).

Her career in management has evolved through roles such as Director of Nursing, Chief Nursing Officer, and Interim CEO within Iowa's Unity Point Health System. In 2011, Driscoll joined Faith Regional Health Services as Vice President of Patient Care Services, assuming the positions of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2013, and President and CEO in 2018.

She has been certified as a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives since 2012 and been recognized as one of 130 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019, as well as a Becker's Hospital Review CEO to know in 2020 and 2023.

Thank you to Kelly for all the work you do for the NHA and patients in Nebraska!

03/11/2026

Our Workforce team was proud to be part of the HOSA-Future Health Professionals Nebraska State Leadership Conference yesterday!

Stan Odenthal and Christine Widman attended as exhibitors and breakout presenters, sharing insights with students about future health care careers, volunteering, and apprenticeship opportunities.

We are always excited to help students explore the many possibilities within the health care field! 🩺

03/10/2026

With all the challenging headwinds facing hospitals and patients, it can be daunting. But while change is inevitable, change for the better is a full-time job.

Thank you to everyone who took the time, voiced their concerns, and championed quality access to health care for Nebraskans at NHA Advocacy Day last week. Your dedication ensures that even in a shifting landscape, the focus remains on patient care.

03/09/2026

The budget hits the floor of the Nebraska Legislature today and one cut still on the table is the total elimination of Medicaid retroactive eligibility. We need you to tell your state senator to reject eliminating retroactive Medicaid coverage.

The state contends this move saves money, but the math doesn't work. And the health care costs don't vanish. Patients are left with debt, hospitals are left with uncompensated care, and costs are shifted to businesses and commercially insured families, creating a hidden tax on every Nebraskan.

There are other, better options for solving the budget challenges rather than creating a problem twice the size of the solution. Visit the NHA Action Center today: https://loom.ly/bqR6sCw

03/06/2026

Today, on National Employee Appreciation Day, we celebrate the incredible people who help make our mission possible here at the NHA.

From advocacy and quality improvement to workforce initiatives, finance, events, education, and communications, every member of our team plays an important role in advancing the work we do each day.

Thank you to our amazing staff who show up each day united by a shared purpose and commitment to improving health care for Nebraskans.

03/05/2026

Maternity care is becoming harder to access across the country, and new federal data shows fewer expecting mothers are receiving the care they need. Jeremy Nordquist, president and CEO of the Nebraska Hospital Association, said the trend is one that cannot be ignored.

In rural Nebraska, hospitals like Pender Community Hospital are working to fill the gap — but they face significant challenges. Bethany Sedivy, a registered nurse and OB unit coordinator at the hospital, said staffing is the facility's most pressing concern.

"Babies don't just come when we want they come on their own time so we have to be ready at all times," Sedivy said.

Learn more from KMTV 3 News Now: https://loom.ly/AGJsWzU

New CDC data shows prenatal care is declining. In rural Nebraska, hospitals and patients face a growing maternity care crisis.

03/04/2026

What an incredible day at the 2026 NHA Advocacy Day with record-breaking attendance!

Leaders from across the state came together to talk about the legislative issues that matter most to our hospitals and health systems, and to the patients and communities they care for every single day.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and advocated on behalf of Nebraska hospitals and the patients they serve. Your voices make a difference.

As Albert Einstein once said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

03/03/2026

A big congratulations to our Quality Improvement residents - all 9 residents who took the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam passed! 👏

Recognizing:
• Jennifer Ernest
• Summer Gonzales – Box Butte General Hospital
• Becca Hedstrom – Brodstone Healthcare
• Jessica Johnson – Community Hospital - McCook
• Renee Lighthall – Cozad Community Health System
• Amy Meyers – Crete Area Medical Center
• Janelle Schroeder – Regional West
• Jordan Siegel – Annie Jeffrey Memorial Health Center
• Kaylyn Venteicher – CHI Health Plainview

03/02/2026

Calling all Nurse Leaders in Nebraska! 🩺

Register TODAY for the Nursing Leadership Conference on April 9, 2026 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, NE.

This program is designed to support the educational needs of health care professionals, including hospital and clinic nursing leaders. Topics include managing teams, recruitment and retention, communication skills, health care finance, and mentorship.

🔗 Register here: https://loom.ly/TAConas