Award reflects Lindeman’s passion for teaching

Marlene Lindeman, center, talks with two nursing students. Lindeman, an assistant professor and psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, will receive a UNMC Outstanding Teacher Award on April 21 at the annual faculty meeting.

She may not want her superiors to hear this, but Marlene Lindeman doesn’t consider what she does for UNMC to be work. It’s her passion and her life.

The UNMC College of Nursing assistant professor and psychiatric clinical nurse specialist inspires students and fellow colleagues and has impacted many lives in and out of the classroom. Lindeman, a teacher, counselor and mentor, will receive the UNMC Outstanding Teacher Award at the annual faculty meeting on Tuesday.

“I’m so humbled. I’m so honored,” said Lindeman, a claimed introvert who is a bit unnerved by the attention the award has brought on her.

Seldom in her office, she’s either with students in one of Omaha’s in-patient or community clinics. She also has a small practice at the college’s nurse-run clinic at the Family Health Care Center in south Omaha that allows her to keep in touch with what’s going on in clinical practice.

More about Marlene “Marlene Lindeman has promoted excellence in psychiatric mental health nursing education in the classroom and in clinical teaching. As psychiatric care moved into the community and in-patient clinical sites changed, Marlene sought out community clinical experiences that have made courses more relevant for the nursing care that our students will deliver in their professional nursing practice.” Julia Houfek, Ph.D., associate professor, UNMC College of Nursing “I have known Marlene in several different capacities over the years, and one which stands out is her ability to teach others with a dedication and passion that is evident in all that she does.” Kathleen Bickerstaff, instructor, UNMC College of Nursing “I was inspired by Marlene to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I see her continuing to inspire and excite others about mental health. She continues to convey a sense of empathy to each and every person she interacts with.” Margaret Emerson, graduate student, psychiatric mental health nursing, UNMC College of Nursing “Marlene has served as a valued faculty member and psychiatric mental health nurse colleague for many years. She has worked consistently and tirelessly to support the teaching mission of UNMC. She not only teaches students how to develop skills, but also teaches listening, rapport, assessment and problem-solving skills. She serves as a role model for students and faculty.”Cecilia Barron, Ph.D., emeritus associate professor or nursing, UNMC College of Nursing

“My clinical practice really enriches and enhances my teaching,” Lindeman said. “Appropriately using clients’ stories as clinical examples to illustrate mental health and illness concepts in the classroom is invaluable. Likewise, keeping current with evidence-based practice guidelines and psychiatric nursing care and therapies is invaluable in my practice.”

Her philosophy on teaching and clinical practice is simple, she said.

“I really see myself as a facilitator,” Lindeman said. “I facilitate growth, knowledge and the recovery process. I try to be a coach and to treat people kindly, validate them and listen to them.

“I really try to give students the message that communication and relationship development skills are valuable skills they can use in any nursing arena — valuable skills in their professional and personal life. If I can instill that, I consider it a big success.”

Lindeman, too, was inspired by faculty who taught psychiatric nursing. After graduation, she worked a few stints in ob/gyn and medical/surgical units in hospitals in Minnesota and Iowa. Though she liked the work, she found she was easily bored with tasks.

“I really like that I do something different every day. I like the teaching. The students are just a delight,” she said. “Every day in psychiatric nursing is different. I like the variety and the ability to develop relationships with clients, which is essential to me.

“Getting nursing students interested in pursuing psychiatric nursing is not easy, despite the overwhelming need. If you need immediate gratification — someone to get better quickly — you often won’t get that in psychiatric nursing. The rewards are much more subtle, but they are there.”

She lights up when she talks about students who choose to pursue the field.

Cleve Greaves, a senior nursing student, said he was inspired to pursue the college’s psychiatric nurse practitioner program while taking a course last fall taught by Lindeman.

“Not only was the curriculum presented in a professional and captivating manner, but her willingness to take time both in the classroom and out, to clarify, encourage and inspire, has had a direct result on my choice to pursue psychiatric nursing as a nurse practitioner,” Greaves said. “She is passionate about what she does, how she teaches, outcomes of her teaching, and most importantly, her clientele, both student and patient.”

Lori Smith, a former student of Lindeman’s and current graduate student, also was influenced by Lindeman.

“I knew that I absolutely loved psychiatric nursing,” Smith said. “Ms. Lindeman is easy to learn from, easy to talk to and easy to be encouraged and motivated by.”

Lindeman provided a letter of reference for Smith’s first nursing job and was inspirational in Smith’s decision to pursue a graduate degree in psychiatric nursing.

Lindeman said the teaching year is pretty intense.

“Sure, some days I wish the pace would be a little less, but I love to work and I love nursing.”

A confessed workaholic, she said she probably could slow down more but admitted she has a difficult time balancing work and personal time.

“I probably struggle with that the most,” Lindeman said. “I try to walk the talk I give to students.”

In March, while on spring break, Lindeman decided to go away for two days, without her computer, determined that work wasn’t going with her. But soon, she was feeling a little guilty so went to a local library.

“I was just going to check my e-mail,” she said.

She left two-and -a-half hours later. She returned from her vacation on a Saturday and worked on Sunday.

When she does slow down, Lindeman enjoys reading, reflecting, and just having quiet time. During the summer months, she enjoys spending time at Lake Okoboji in Iowa boating and visiting with family and friends.