Jessica Nielsen, D.N.P., 43, an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing in Omaha, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 5. Dr. Nielsen is survived by her husband, Larry, and five children of Bennington.
The funeral was held Jan. 11 at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 15050 W. Maple Rd. in Omaha.
Dr. Nielsen joined the UNMC College of Nursing as a clinical instructor in 2011 and was appointed to the rank of assistant professor in 2016, following completion of her doctor of nursing practice degree. She had practiced as an acute care nurse practitioner since completing her master's of science in nursing at the UNMC College of Nursing in 2006. She had particular interests in acute long-term care, palliative care, and wellness.
She served as a faculty advisor for the student service-learning group, Do juSTIce, and a member of the UNMC Faculty Senate. She recently was appointed as co-coordinator of the adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner specialty track and had a faculty practice as an acute care nurse practitioner at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln.
Juliann Sebastian, Ph.D., dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, said Dr. Nielsen was a stellar faculty member and wonderful human being.
"She always had a smile on her face and was always ready to jump in and help with any project. She had recently been appointed as co-track coordinator for the acute care adult nurse practitioner specialty in the graduate programs reflecting the esteem in which she is held. Her clinical expertise was deep and widely respected.
"Dr. Nielsen was a consummate professional, an advanced practice nurse of the highest caliber, extremely talented faculty member, and a kind and caring individual. We are all better for having known and worked with Jessica, and we will miss her deeply," Dr. Sebastian said.
Austin Clark, graduate student and graduate student senator, was a close friend of Nielsen since they were children. "She was a guiding light that directed me toward a career in nursing. She was one of the most caring, compassionate, and influential people in my life. Her death was unexpected, but everything she has taught me will stay with me for the rest of my life.
"I couldn't be happier to have had her as a part of our family. Her legacy will carry on through the nurses and practitioners she mentored. May she rest in peace," Clark said.
A Facebook page has been set up for condolences at https://www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Jessica-Nielsen-2/. A fund for the family has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/jessica-nielsen-family-fund.
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Jessica Nielsen, D.N.P., remembered as relentless, energetic, mindful, loving
Photo cutline: Jessica Nielsen, D.N.P., received the UNMC College of Nursing's Kathryn Sandahl Philp Award for Creativity and Innovation in May, 2017.