Nebraska Hospital Association

07/25/2025

Over the past few years, the Nebraska Hospital Association said it’s become more common for hospital staff to be assaulted by patients. The NHA is now working with lawmakers, hoping to protect health care workers.

According to the association, hospitals in Nebraska average 41 violent episodes against staff every year, which is about one incident every nine days. Margaret Woeppel, the chief nursing and informatics officer for NHA, was a nurse for many years. She said this violence is harmful to everyone, and it can affect hospital staff emotionally as well as physically.

“They went into healthcare to help people, not be hurt by people,” she said. “I know people who have been assaulted at work who have decided that either they don’t want to be a health care provider in that setting, or they don’t want to be a health care provider at all.”

Watch the Channel 8 News KLKN TV Lincoln story: https://loom.ly/hUcMPqU

Have you experienced or been impacted workplace violence in a hospital setting? Visit the NHA Action Center and tell us your story: https://loom.ly/mzcDnc0

According to the Nebraska Hospital Association, hospitals in Nebraska average 41 violent episodes against staff every year, which is about one incident every nine days.

07/24/2025

Last week, members of the 2025 NHA Leadership Institute gathered at Bryan Medical Center East Campus in Lincoln, NE, for a powerful session on “Analyzing and Addressing Performance Issues.”

Led by instructor Mike Freel, participants explored strategies for closing performance gaps, motivating employees, and avoiding common leadership pitfalls that can hinder team success.

The group also had the opportunity to hear from Bryan Health CEO Russ Gronewold, who shared insights on hospital operations and the growing role of AI in health care.

07/23/2025

Mark your calendars for the 2025 NHA Quality Conference taking place November 12-14 at Younes Conference Center South in Kearney, Nebraska.

Target Audience:
Quality Leaders, Nursing Leaders, Clinic Managers, Pharmacists, CEO’s, Providers, Board Members

Overview:
This program is tailored for health care leaders across hospitals and clinics, with a focus on quality, nursing, pharmacy, executive leadership, and governance. It will highlight national and state best practices while exploring the future role of CAH quality in Nebraska’s health care landscape.

👉 More details coming soon!

07/22/2025

The health of Nebraska's rural communities depends directly on the strength of our local hospitals. Two new funding streams — the State Directed Payment Program and the Rural Health Transformation Program — create an essential lifeline for our rural hospitals. However, the long-term stability of Nebraska's rural hospitals will depend on whether Congress continues to make investments to critical health care funding.

In his new Lincoln Journal Star op-ed, President of the Nebraska Hospital Assocation Jeremy Nordquist urges our lawmakers to recognize the indispensable value of our community hospitals and to work collaboratively on enduring solutions. Supporting our rural hospitals is an investment in the health and well-being of every Nebraskan.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/15uSGDM

07/21/2025

The 2025 Nebraska legislative session marked one of the Nebraska Hospital Association’s most impactful years at the Capitol. During the 89-day legislative session, NHA successfully led and supported legislation to protect the 340B program, improve prior authorization, enhance transparency in Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) practices, and secure much-needed investments in Nebraska’s health care workforce by preventing harmful budget cuts to the state’s health care Rural Loan Repayment Program.

View the scope of health care related bills, legislative wins, and member advocacy efforts in our 2025 Legislative Wrap-Up: https://loom.ly/CeTmrRI

07/18/2025

NHA President Jeremy Nordquist and team members made a swing through central Nebraska this week. It was great to connect with Kyle Kellum, Ashley Woodward, and Caleb Poore.

Melham Medical Center
Valley County Health System
Boone County Health Center

07/18/2025

This past Wednesday, two members of the NHA team hosted a RIGHT RESPONSE® De-Escalation Training for our members.

RIGHT RESPONSE® is a nationally recognized program focused on proactive strategies for preventing conflict, de-escalating tense situations, and responding effectively to crises. Through tools rooted in self-awareness and safety, participants gained valuable skills to manage challenges with calm and confidence.

The NHA is also excited to announce that we are hosting another training on August 6th. Interested in attending or bringing this training to your facility? Send us a message!

07/17/2025

The NHAPAC is our collective voice in Lincoln and beyond, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of Nebraska hospitals, patients, and health care providers are heard.

It's clear that the need for strong advocacy is greater than ever. With crucial legislative discussions and policy changes on the horizon, support for the NHAPAC is vital.

Learn more about NHAPAC and how you can help make a difference.
🔗 https://loom.ly/iKh3dro

07/16/2025

Congratulations to all the Nebraskans named by Becker's Hospital Review 2025 list of community hospital presidents and CEOs to know!

👤 Kelly Driscoll, Faith Regional Health Services
👤 Michael Hansen, Columbus Community Hospital Nebraska
👤 Clay Jordan, TRI VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM

Community hospitals play a vital role in closing healthcare access gaps, and the CEOs who lead them are committed to providing high-quality, cost-effective care tailored to the needs of their local communities.

They are responsible for shaping a positive workplace culture, steering long-term strategy, growing service lines, and ensuring financial sustainability, all with their communities at the heart.

https://loom.ly/BrTZd4M

Community hospitals play a vital role in closing healthcare access gaps, and the CEOs who lead them are committed to providing high-quality, cost-effective care tailored to the needs of their local communities. While many community hospitals focus on acute care, these forward-thinking CEOs are also....

07/15/2025

H.R. 4002 is a dangerous bill that would unleash physician self-referral, allowing physicians to steer their most profitable cases to facilities they own - facilities that often call 9-1-1 to handle their emergencies. This isn't fair competition. It's a direct threat to our community hospitals.

By allowing doctors to steer the most profitable cases to facilities they own, this bill would drain essential resources from the very hospitals that provide crucial emergency and trauma care for all. Given the financial headwinds hospitals already face, this legislation could be destabilizing for our entire community health care system.

Read the American Hospital Association opposition letter: https://loom.ly/A0pdIC8

07/14/2025

Last week, the NHA Advocacy Team, Meghan Chaffee and David Slattery, shadowed Jim Ulrich at York General Hospital to get a firsthand look at rural health care in action.

For over 100 years, York General has provided quality patient care to York County, Nebraska and the surrounding communities through the dedicated efforts of caregivers and staff.

07/11/2025

Nebraska summers are made for outdoor adventures, but it is important to remember to protect yourself while you are out there!

UV rays are the number one cause of skin cancer, and extreme heat can lead to serious illness. Keep yourself safe with these sun-smart steps:

☀️ Wear SPF 30+ and reapply often
☀️ Wear a hat and sunglasses
☀️ Find shade during peak sun (10 AM–4 PM)
☀️ Drink plenty of water and take breaks to cool down

Enjoy the sunshine, but stay safe while you do it!

Get more resources here: https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html