In the hospital world, is there anyone more valuable than a great nurse?
The nurse interacts with the patient and family way more than the physician does. The nurse is always there to answer questions, provide reassurance and — when necessary — even a much-needed hug.
The Laurie Williams file
- Born – Evanston, Ill.
- B.S.N., University of Michigan, 1973
- M.S.N., Wayne State University, 1981
- 1985 — came to UNMC as first nursing coordinator for liver transplant program
- Past president, North American Transplant Coordinators Organization
- Chairperson, transplant coordinator’s group within the United Network of Organ Sharing
- 2014 — Named “Nurse of the Year,” Nebraska Chapter of the March of Dimes
There are lots of great nurses at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine. We wouldn’t be the world class medical center we are without them.
When I learned recently that Laurie Williams was named “Nurse of the Year” by the Nebraska Chapter of the March of Dimes, it brought a big smile to my face.
If there was a Mount Rushmore of great nurses at UNMC, Laurie would be on it.
She came here in 1985 when UNMC recruited the liver transplant team from Pittsburgh. It was a landmark event in UNMC history. The quiet little medical center in midtown Omaha was about to spread its wings and fly.
Now, nearly 30 years later, UNMC/Nebraska Medicine has become one of the top centers in the country for solid organ transplantation. We transplant not just livers, but kidneys, hearts, pancreases, small bowels, and — coming soon — lungs.
Transplantation transformed our medical center, and Laurie Williams was right in the center of it.
Working as a transplant coordinator is hardly an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. If a donor organ becomes available in the middle of the night, you answer the call.
You’re dealing with families who have usually gone through the wringer to make it to the top of the transplant list — in and out of hospitals, back and forth to doctors, lots of sleepless nights.
Moving to Nebraska Medicine
With the beginning of the new year, Laurie Williams is one of about 170 College of Medicine employees who will be leaving UNMC and moving over to Nebraska Medicine because more than 80 percent of their current job activities involve clinical care.
“We want to thank all these employees for their dedicated service to the College of Medicine and know they will continue to be important assets to our organization as part of Nebraska Medicine,” said Bradley Britigan, M.D., dean of the UNMC College of Medicine and president of Nebraska Medicine.
Dr. Britigan noted that seven Nebraska Medicine employees will move to UNMC, reflecting that most of their activity revolves around clinical research.
By the time families get to Omaha, they are frazzled. Anxious to get their new organ, but scared to death of what the uncertain future might hold.
“It’s all about building relationships and building them quickly,” Williams said. “You have to focus on the other person if you want to develop a relationship. You have to earn their trust.”
Over the years, she has delivered care to more than 5,000 transplant patients and mentored countless others on what it takes to be a transplant nurse.
Always a hard charging personality, Williams has softened her image — thanks in part to Dale Carnegie training she received.
It worked. Nurse of the year — you bet.
Based on the standing ovation she received, I’d say the judges made a wise choice.
Laurie was the original shining star for the transplant program and her star shines brighter than ever today. As a member of the leadership team for the Digestive Diseases and Kidney Clinical Program (DDK, which includes solid organ transplant), I met Laurie for the first time a few months ago. I remember thinking, "So this is THE Laurie Williams, the person that I've heard so much about over all of my years at the Med Center". It was clear to me that she was and is a force to be reckoned with, and our patients are patients are the beneficiaries of her tireless efforts and unparalled expertise. Thank you Laurie for all you do.
Laurie is without a doubt one of the most passionate and caring nurses that I have ever had the privilege to work with. She always puts the patient first and works tirelessly to provide incredible patient care. She has trained and mentored a number of nurses who have modeled her work ethic and unwavering commitment to the transplant patients. Laurie is not only an incredible nurse, but also an incredible friend. Congratulations, Laurie, on your very well-deserved honor! Lucie
Congratulations Laurie!
Thank you Laurie for everything you do for this campus and for the families. My aunt (Margaret Piper) and her family will be forever grateful for the care and compassion you provided over the past thirty years. You are truly an angel to all! Thank you!
A very well deserved honor Laurie!
Cheryl Pischel
Laurie, its been a long time since our paths have crossed, but I was just delighted to read this article! so well deserved. Congratulations! Joanie Dinsmore
Laurie, I was a charge nurse on the pediatric ward when you first came to Omaha. I loved working with you, Bud and the liver patients. Although my first love was cardiology (where I have been since 1986) I always thought I'd want to work with you if I ever left. You are an inspiration. Congratulations on your award! Jenny
Well deserved! Awesome tributes! All soooooo true! Big congratulations Laurie! Great memories… Beth Blackburn
Laurie not only represents our patients and our program with passion that is unsurpassed, she also represents us nationally in so many ways. As past president of the North America Transplant Coordinator Organization (NATCO), she was at the forefront of many positive changes for our patients, our coordinators and the organization. She also participates in the living donor committee of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), making sure the rights of the donor are considered and represented. These are just a couple of examples of Laurie's involvement as she has been a very busy lady through the years working on behalf of our patients and our program. Thank you Laurie!! I love your passion and energy!
In addition to Laurie's stellar work as a nurse coordinator, she is also a member of our Ethics Consultation Service. Kudos to this extraordinary woman.
I can't think of anyone who deserves this more. I am so grateful that I get the honor of working with and knowing you professionally and personally. You are a great example of what so many of us strive to be. Thank you Lauire for being you and sharing who you are with all of us! Our patients, this campus, and so many others are truly blessed by you.
Laurie,
You are so deserving of this award and a mentor to me. Congratulations.
There couldn't be a more dedicated nurse than Laurie when it comes to being a patient advocate. Always caring, always focused on keeping the patient first. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work side-by-side with Laurie on the Transplant Team in our many years of service together. Congratulations Laurie on this recognition well earned.
Congratulations, Laurie. I have always admired the excellent work that you have done for the transplant program and UNMC. You have been an inspiration for lots of us.
Way to go, Laurie!!
Sonja McCollister
Congratulations Laurie ! You are a great role model and mentor to all of us who are fortunate to work with you. Thanks for all you do for our patients.
Congratulations Laurie, What a deserving award !! You are an inspiration !! I am sure if you asked ALL of the patients and families you have touched and impacted over the years you would be in competition with Mother Teresa. It is an honor to know you !!
ps. I did not know you were a Michigan grad. !!
This doesn't surprise me one bit. You've always been a dedicated nurse. Proud to know you!