Omahan Tony Hernandez never expected to go to nursing school in Scottsbluff
and certainly never planned on being gone more than two years when he headed
to Scottsbluff from Omaha. But, the move to Scottsbluff provided new experiences
that have changed his life.
Hernandez, 29, recently earned his Bachelors of Science in Nursing
degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursings
West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff. When he applied to UNMC, all the
available placements for Omaha had been filled. He would have to wait for
another semester to apply, said Mary McNamee, Ph.D., assistant dean and
professor, UNMC College of Nursing in Omaha. But there were open positions
in the entering class in Scottsbluff and he could be admitted there immediately.
Despite being the only male in the group of 18 student nurses, Hernandez
never felt out of place.
He fit in very well and was always well thought of by his instructors
and fellow students, said Marie Kreman, Ed.D., an assistant professor
at the UNMC College of Nursing in Scottsbluff. I was his community health
nursing teacher and enjoyed his thoughtful, and always soft spoken responses.
We would like to have many more students just like him.
The 1988 graduate of Papillion-LaVista High School was pursuing a degree
in physical therapy when he found nursing to be a profession that was more
suited to his interest in science and the desire to motivate people. He
had already earned an associate degree as a paralegal at the Nebraska College
of Business and attended Metropolitan Community College and the University
of Nebraska at Omaha. He wanted to get his degree and start a career.
At first, I didnt want to leave my family, but my aunts and uncles
were only 30 miles west of Scottsbluff in Torrington, Hernandez said.
He said his parents, retired and in their late 60s, had a hard time letting
him go as the baby of the family.
I had been out near Scottsbluff several times. Its a nice area. And
I thought Id be back in Omaha in two years.
At the beginning, Hernandez said moving to Scottsbluff was a culture
shock.
When Id tell people I was from Omaha, theyd ask me how I ended up
in Scottsbluff, he said. Theyd ask, `Isnt it hard to live here with
so much more to do in Omaha? He said he really never got out that much
in Omaha besides going to the movies and socializing with his friends.
I fit into Scottsbluff real well. I like it. I was able to concentrate
more on studying without as many distractions.
But life there wasnt without distractions. Right after starting school,
he met fellow classmate, Stephanie Hughart, 24, of Hemingford, Neb., who
he has been dating now for two years. She and Hernandez graduated together
from nursing school.
During nursing school, Hernandez developed an interest in practicing
nursing in the Native American community. Hernandez was providing health
screening services at the Omaha Indian Reservation in Macy, Neb., when
he decided he would like to practice nursing in the Native American community.
I am interested in working in the Native American community. I want
to learn more about their culture and I think I could do a lot of good.
He has applied for several positions, not only in Nebraska, but also,
North Dakota, South Dakota and New Mexico. Hughart has also applied for
various positions in the Native American community. She is interested in
working with children.
The UNMC College of Nursing, with divisions in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney
and Scottsbluff, is the largest nursing college in Nebraska. It is
the only nursing college in the state to offer bachelors, masters and
doctoral degrees.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has
established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research
and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than $34 million
in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually.
In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more
health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.