Nancy Waltman, PhD, retiring after 42-year nursing career

As a child, Nancy Waltman had asthma and went to the emergency room a few times. So she got to know the nurses who gave her shots of epinephrine.

She said she always wanted to be a nurse.

Dr. Waltman, who earned her PhD in 1988, will retire at the end of this month after serving 42 years as a faculty member for the UNMC College of Nursing.

Her career as a young nurse started with a lot of traveling — working in three different states and serving five years in Germany in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

"It was a great experience. On my days off, I could go anywhere in Europe easily."  

Dr. Waltman’s career has been full of rewards and challenges.

She said the best part of her job has been the three-part mission of education, patient care and research.

As a senior nurse scientist, she was the principal investigator on two National Institutes of Health Research Project Grants — "R01" grants of more than $1 million each — focused on prevention and treatment of women with osteoporosis. Her research highlights include 11 other grants to support building her expertise in osteoporosis. 

 "I would not have been awarded R01 funding without my mentors and all the members of my research teams. Thanks to all for your support over the years."

Nancy Waltman, PhD

Getting positive teaching evaluations from students also meant a lot to her.

"I always tried my best whether teaching students or in practice or research because I feel a special dedication to the college. It’s where I learned to be a nurse."

As a nurse practitioner, Dr. Waltman enjoyed the challenge of being involved in setting up the state’s first nurse practitioner program in 1995 with Kate Fiandt, PhD, leading the program.

"I liked it because it was challenging. At the time, there was controversy over the role of nurse practitioners. We had to teach students how to articulate their role. NPs have since been well accepted in Nebraska. People know what you’re talking about when you say you’re an NP."

Despite the 42 years of work, she said she feels good about retirement. She said she will always be proud to be part of the college.

"I have been, and always will be devoted to the college," Dr. Waltman said. "I wish to acknowledge all the wonderful faculty and staff I have worked with over the years. A special thank you to the faculty and researchers who have mentored me in my teaching and my research."