Gold U winner Stoltman ‘exemplifies innovation’

COVID threatened to derail the momentum of many organizations.

Amelia Stoltman of the UNMC College of Nursing, the June Gold U winner, is cited for innovative thinking, teamwork, communication skills and exemplary service to her "customers" in overcoming challenges of the pandemic in regards to faculty practice.

"COVID-19 had the potential to completely derail faculty practice in the college and its Morehead Center for Nursing Practice — to have a negative impact on the budget, as a part of many faculty's salaries are covered by their faculty practice contracts," a nominator wrote. "It meant that there were some faculty who didn't have an active faculty practice site, which impacted the college's budget."

Nominators credit Stoltman with exemplifying innovation while meeting the new challenges in her role as administrator for transformational practice and partnerships, which includes the Morehead Center for Nursing Practice and faculty practice.

"She took ownership for ensuring that faculty practice not only weathered the storm of COVID-19 but … was positioned to have a positive impact on our communities and practice partners. In fact, faculty practice is in a better position now more than ever … recognizing the emerging opportunities that COVID presented, such as telehealth.

"Benefits of telehealth include expanding access to care, reducing viral exposure for both staff and patients, preserving personal protective equipment supplies and reducing demand on facilities.

"Faculty appreciated the benefits of alternate delivery modalities while also working to reduce access to care barriers for patients."

Because of Stoltman's work, many nursing faculty played a major role in staffing COVID testing and vaccination stations around the state.

Stoltman said her job is unique and that she enjoys partnering with faculty and staff on manuscripts, grant writing, program implementation, strategic planning, contract negotiations, business development and a variety of other creative endeavors.

"My philosophy is to seek out challenges, laugh a lot and meet people where they are," Stoltman said. "I am a lifelong learner, and I am proud to support UNMC's continual pursuit of a healthy future for all individuals and communities.

"I love that I have made lifelong friends. I love that in my job I am able to support nurses, nurse researchers, practicing nurses, nurse faculty, nurse writers and nursing students, just to name a few. Nurses make up the largest group of health care professionals, and nurses deserve and need our support."