Myra Schmaderer, PhD, can’t help but laugh at the advice she received from her sister before beginning her 44-plus year career in nursing and nursing education.
“My sister, who is three years older than me, is a nurse and was in nursing school at the time I was deciding (on a career),” she said. “(My sister) said whatever you do, don’t go into nursing school, it’s too hard.
“So, anyway, I ended up in nursing.”
Dr. Schmaderer, who served as an educator and administrator for more than 25 years at the UNMC College of Nursing-Lincoln Division, retired on Jan. 3 after most recently serving as the interim assistant dean of the division.
Her familiarity with UNMC began while obtaining her associate, bachelors and master’s degrees in nursing at the Omaha campus. As she was pursuing her master’s and working as a nurse specialist at Bryan Health, mentor Chi Chi Zimmerman, PhD, UNMC nursing professor at the time, encouraged Dr. Schmaderer to consider becoming a faculty member. She considered the opportunity and the flexibility it offered and eventually joined the Lincoln division faculty as instructor in 1999.
“I thought, ‘Well, I’ll try this track for a little while,’” she said. “Here we are 25 years later, and I’m retiring from it, because once you start working with students, you see the potential of each student.”
Throughout her tenure at the Lincoln division, Dr. Schmaderer guided BSN, master’s and PhD students through their education. While serving as an instructor, she pursued and obtained her PhD in 2015 and gained an interest in research.
At each level, she realized that the highlights of teaching were often preceded by obstacles, as the most rewarding experiences followed difficult circumstances.
“Every group (of students) you have, there’s something in it that brings challenges that you have to work through and personalities you have to deal with,” she said. “But when you turn around and you see those students succeed, they’re the ones that give you the most reward.”
In 2023, former UNMC College of Nursing Dean Juliann Sebastian, PhD, approached Dr. Schmaderer to assume the role of interim assistant dean of the Lincoln division following the retirement of Michelle Johnson, PhD. Dr. Schmaderer kept the title of interim assistant dean until she retired – a role she looks back on fondly.
“It was a great experience for me,” she said. “There were some challenges when I first started, but we all got on the same track, going the same way. I do think that I made a difference and that I’m leaving it in a good place.”
As the interim assistant dean, Dr. Schmaderer helped implement twice-a-year admission on the Lincoln campus and the shared clinical model collaboration with the Center for Nursing and Nebraska Hospital Association. Both were important projects meant to assist with the nursing shortage and enhance rural nursing in Nebraska.
Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, said Schmaderer’s leadership and contributions to the college have tremendously impacted her colleagues and students alike.
“Her career here at UNMC has left an indelible mark on the lives of so many,” she said. “Her leadership has impacted the growth of the Lincoln division, moving them to twice-a-year admissions to create more opportunities for future nurses.
“We have been blessed to benefit from her dedication and passion for her profession.”
Dr. Schmaderer said she’s worn the college’s emblem with pride, and while her tenure at UNMC has ended, she will continue to be proud of the institution that shaped her career in nursing and education.
“I’ve always been proud to be a UNMC employee,” she said. “I’ve been very honored to work here, and I believe this university is a part of me.”