Beyond our campus, Omaha has plenty of dining options to choose from. The Omaha Visitors Center is a great resource for finding local restaurants that feature all types of food from classic American fare to fancy steakhouses.
To improve the life of every child: At Childrens Hospital & Medical Center, this is our mission and its the heart of everything we do. As the regions pediatric healthcare leader, were dedicated to exceptional care, advocacy, research and education. Whether were providing care for critically ill children or championing child-centered legislation, we strive to improve the lives of children, families, and entire communities.
Childrens Hospital & Medical Center is the only full-service, pediatric healthcare center in Nebraska, providing expertise in more than 50 pediatric specialty services to children across a five-state region and beyond.
John Paul Mattson was born with a hernia. In 1948, at nearly 7 years old, he became the first child admitted to Omahas brand new medical facility, Childrens Memorial Hospital. His hernia surgery was a success the first of many successes for what would go on to become Childrens Hospital & Medical Center.
Ten years later, John returned to Childrens with a ruptured appendix that almost took his life. His treatment was successful, and he eventually graduated from Omahas Westside High School and Northwestern University. John Mattson is now a father and grandfather who says, Im here because of Childrens.
The original Childrens Memorial Hospital was founded in 1948 by Dr. C.W.M. Poynter, Dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Henry Doorly, publisher of the Omaha World-Herald. Together, these men had a vision: that no child in need of medical care would be turned away due to an inability to pay.
Accreditation is a process in which a hospital is reviewed for their ability to meet standards and requirements that have been established by a particular accreditation agency. Receiving accreditation means that the hospital is dedicated to meeting high standards in performance and patient care.
The Joint Commission is the oldest and largest standards-setting and accreditation agency in the US. Hospitals with Joint Commission accreditation are recognized across the nation as high-quality institutions that have a commitment to meeting the highest performance standards.
Provides 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons and specialists in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology, and critical care. Childrens is the only Level II Center in Nebraska.
Recognition by the The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses for hospitals who exemplify excellence in professional practice, patient care, and outcomes. Gold is the highest level of recognition. Childrens is one of only seven neonatal intensive care units and one of 10 pediatric care units in the nation to be honored with this award.
This voluntary credentialing program for hospitals recognizes excellence in nursing, where nursing leaders successfully align their strategic goals to improve the organizations patient outcomes. Only 7% of healthcare organizations have earned this prestigious credential, and only 2.8% of US hospitals have achieved three or more designations.Childrens has been honored with Magnet Recognition three consecutive times.
Designates hospitals that demonstrate exceptional ratings, and provide the highest level of commitment and care. This is the only award that takes womens preferences when selecting a hospital into account.
The American Nurses Association created a national database for nursing quality indicators a set of standards for evaluating nursing care. It also establishes links between health outcomes and nurse staffing characteristics (e.g., education level, turnover). Childrens was recognized for outstanding nursing quality, based on following these standards.
Nurses are a key part of your childs care. They administer care, communicate to physicians, provide comfort, and advocate for you and your child. Thats why we are honored to have received this recognition.
This award is given to recognize healthcare institutions who have implemented innovative and effective initiatives related to health technology management (e.g., using technology to improve patient safety or lower costs).
Dr. Brad Brabec, a Lincoln-based pediatrician and founder of Complete Childrens Health, has practiced medicine for more than 30 years. As an innovator in pediatric medicine, Dr. Brabecs practice began with four employees and has grown to represent four offices with more than 140 employees. He also is the founder of Midwest Childrens Health Research Institute which participates in and conducts Phase 2-4 clinical trials for pediatric vaccine, drug and formula research. Dr. Brabec chairs the Board Quality & Patient Safety Committee, and also serves on the Governance and Strategic Planning Committees. He earned his medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and completed his residency at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle before returning home to Nebraska to start his practice.
Dr. Bradley Britigan serves as Dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is a physician specializing in both infectious diseases and internal medicine. Dr. Britigan came to Omaha in 2011 after serving as chair of Internal Medicine at University of Cincinnati, preceded by 17 years at the University of Iowa. Dr. Britigan earned his medical degree at University of Southern California and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Rhode Island Hospital and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina.
Chanda Chacn, MPH, FACHE, has devoted her career to pediatric health care, focused on ensuring patients receive safe, high quality, family-centered care, while strengthening organizations and growing programs of excellence.
Chanda joined Childrens from Arkansas Childrens, where she served as Executive Vice President and System Chief Operating Officer. In Arkansas, she oversaw the system operations of two hospital campuses, clinical services, human resources and support services. Prior to leading in Arkansas, she served as the President for Texas Childrens Hospital West Campus, Houstons first community hospital designed exclusively for children. Chanda spent 14 years at Texas Childrens Hospitalone of the nations top pediatric health care institutionsserving in progressive leadership roles, including ambulatory operations, Heart Center, Fetal Center, Womens Services and Pharmacy.
Chanda earned undergraduate degrees in Biology and Spanish from Vanderbilt University and a Masters Degree in Public Health Management from Yale University. She is a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives, a committed speaker on leadership, and has volunteered as a court-appointed Child Advocate serving children in custody for many years.
As former owner of SKAR Advertising, now Smith Kroeger, Joleen David, APR, specializes in advertising, branding, research, strategy, media, public relations and digital services. Through dedicating her career to advancing the goals of her clients, she has learned how to accelerate growth and success in the organizations she advises. Her career has been built on respect, hard work and big ideas, and she brings that same work ethic to her service on Childrens Board. Joleen served as Chair of the Omaha Salvation Army Advisory Board and was a member of the Nebraska Humane Society Board. She currently serves as President-elect of the Joslyn Castle Trust board. David holds a bachelors degree in French from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
Why I Serve: My younger son, Jason, has Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare and complex genetic disorder that affects the function of the hypothalamus and produces a challenging array of symptoms. Jason received outstanding endocrinology, ophthalmology, orthopedic and surgical care and support at Childrens, so when the opportunity came for me to give back to these wonderful providers through service on the board, I was proud to accept it.
As former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Mutual of Omaha, Dave Diamond holds expertise in managing teams through financial transformation. His extensive insurance and financial experience bring discipline and vast expertise to Childrens Board. His knowledge and familiarity with risk management and financial planning enable him to help oversee the hospitals investments and liabilities. Diamond holds his bachelors degree in Accountancy and Finance from Miami University.
As Dean of Creighton University School of Medicine, Dr. Robert Dunlay contributes his medical expertise and shared focus of educating the next generation of academic pediatric providers to Childrens Board. Dr. Dunlay is specialty trained as a nephrologist and currently serves as a professor of medicine and pharmacology at Creighton, where he earned his medical degree. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine, also at Creighton, after service in the U.S. Navy. Dr. Dunlay completed fellowships in Nephrology at Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, and in Nephrology Research at Jewish Hospital at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis. He earned his MBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Former Union Pacific executive Diane Duren is an active community leader in her retirement, contributing her expertise in accounting, finance, marketing and sales through her role as Chair of Childrens Board. Duren was the first woman to lead one of Union Pacifics multi-billion-dollar business units, the Agricultural Products division. In addition to serving with Childrens, Diane also serves as the Chair of the MECA board, which has helped revitalize downtown Omaha. Diane is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Creighton University and a Trustee for Peter Kiewit Foundation. Duren holds a bachelors degree in Business Administration from Creighton University, where she was awarded a Business Alumni Merit Award.
Brian Fahey serves as President at Missouri River Title, offering professional title and escrow services throughout the region. Brian is no stranger to collaborating with key partners and the Nebraska Legislature, advocating to move health policy decisions forward. He helped to facilitate the passing of Nebraska law LB342, which widened Medicaid reimbursement for pediatric feeding disorders. This law ensures families have access to cutting-edge treatment options and that comprehensive, integrated multidisciplinary care is adequately reimbursed. Brian also serves on the board of Childrens Hospital & Medical Centers Foundation. Brian is committed to bettering the health of our community and also serves on the boards of March of Dimes and Methodist Health Systems Foundation. Brian holds a bachelors degree from the University of Kansas.
Jim Greisch is the global managing partner for financial services at RSM, an audit, tax and consulting firm. His board service and support is deeply personal, as several of his daughters are dedicated pediatric caregivers at Childrens. Greisch is an active member of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants and holds a bachelors degree in Accounting and Finance from Creighton University.
Margaret chairs the Employment, Labor and Benefit Department at Koley Jessen Law Firm.As a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association, Margaret has more than 25 years of legal experience advising and representing clients throughout the United Statesin employment, labor and benefits matters and education law. A frequent lecturer, Hershiser alsoprovides training for management and employees onlegal topics that impact the workplace. She earned her bachelors degree from Marymount College and her Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law. Margarets counsel to Childrens Board is invaluable.
Why I Serve: It is an honor to serve on Childrens Board as thereis no greater mission than one focused on the health and well being of children through the highest levels of clinical care, research, education and advocacy.
As partner at Dundee Venture Capital, Jenkins brings technology start-up experience in financial, insurance and health care industries to the Board. Jenkins has been actively involved in shaping the health benefits industry for decades. A health benefits innovator, his first venture was sold to private investors. His second venture led to the development of the software platform, COBRApointone of the industrys largest stand-alone SaaS 70 Type II COBRA and Direct Billing administratorssupporting thousands of clients. Wex Health acquired his latest enterprise class SaaS financial management and integrated payment services solution, helping clients navigate the financial complexities of health benefits, billings and payments. Jenkins earned his bachelors degree in Marketing and Economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
As senior managing director of wealth management at First National Bank, part of the largest family-owned bank in America, Steve Lindsay contributes his financial acumen to Childrens Board. With expertise in wealth planning, investments, banking and trusts, he is adept at building trust with colleagues and associates along the way. Lindsay believes in giving back to the Omaha community. Along with his wife, a former collegiate soccer athlete, he co-founded Kicks for a Cure, a charitable organization focused on advancing cancer research at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Institute at UNMC and Creighton. Lindsay has also served as Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha and Completely Kids. He earned his bachelors degree from Marquette University and holds his MBA from Creighton University.
Samantha Mosser is the President and a Board of Director of ACCESSbank; she joined the bank in January 2020. Previously, Samantha was the Omaha President of Union Bank & Trust Company from 2009-2019. She is a proven leader with a demonstrated track record of driving results. She has a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience as well as more than 20 years of commercial banking experience in the Omaha market. In addition, Sam is passionate about supporting the community. She currently serves on the boards of Childrens Hospital & Medical Center, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, is a councilor of the Aksarben Foundation, and is a trustee for the Business Ethics Alliance. She has previously served on the boards of Community Alliance, Child Saving Institute and YPO Nebraska. Samantha has her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Why I Serve: I am honored to serve on the board of Childrens Hospital & Medical Center. We are blessed to have a stand-alone childrens hospital in our region dedicated to improving the life of every child. Each of my three sons has been seen since birth by a Childrens primary care physician. We have used their emergency and surgical services, and one son has been admitted to the hospital for care. Knowing they were in the hands of the talented physicians at Childrens was a great comfort to our family. The opportunity to be a small part of this organizations success for years to come is a privilege.
A Private Wealth Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors, Michael Robino is a Certified Financial Planner (TM), and has over 25 years experience with investment portfolio design, family wealth planning, alternative investments, and the hedging and monetizing of concentrated investments. He has been recognized as a Premier Advisor by Wells Fargo Advisors for multiple consecutive years. Robino holds a bachelors degree in Finance from Creighton University. Michael Robino is a lifetime native Omahan and is married with two daughters. He enjoys golf, travel, and entertaining.
As executive vice president of Marketing & Sales at Union Pacific Railroad, Kenny Rocker is responsible for the companys three major business units, Bulk, Industrial and Premium, along with Marketing & Sales Operations, Commercial Strategy and its Mexico business. He also oversees the railroads Loup Logistics subsidiary and brings his operational expertise to Childrens board. He and his wife, April, have four daughters and are invested in serving the Omaha community. He currently serves on the boards of Seventy Five North, a revitalization effort underway in Omahas Highlander neighborhood. Rocker holds a bachelors degree in Finance from Tuskegee University.
Why I Serve: We have four adventurous young daughters.Our oldestchildKennedy, who is 11, hasDown Syndrome and our primary pediatric physician, whom we absolutely adore, is at Childrens. She cares about our girls, and has a personal relationship with them. Weve had 14 surgeries among the four of them and have appreciated theunique attention and careChildrens has providedover the years.
Amy Ryan is an Audit & Assurance partner in Deloitte & Touche LLPs Omaha practice. Ryan leads her team in providing independent financial statement and internal control audit services in accordance with the applicable professional standards and with a focus on quality. Deloitte is one of the largest professional services organizations. Deloittes Audit & Assurance business enhances trust in the capital markets, facilitates cross-functional teaming, and further enhances Deloittes strategic positioning in the Omaha market including leading community involvement initiatives. Ryan is strongly committed to contributing toward Childrens vision.
Stacy Scholtz is Executive Vice President of Strategic Solutions and Departing Well at Mutual of Omaha. Scholtz oversees Departing Well, Emerging and Strategic Solutions and Mutual of Omaha Mortgage. These business units include the retirement plans division and special risk area; the traditional final expense life insurance and the direct-to-consumer distribution channel supporting the life and health lines of business; and the forward and reverse mortgage lending operations.
During her time at Mutual of Omaha, Scholtz has played a key role in the companys strategic and business planning efforts and has championed innovative business transformation programs that have improved the companys financial performance, enhanced the customer experience, and helped leaders maximize their potential.
Scholtz is a member of the board of directors for the following Mutual of Omaha affiliate companies: Companion Life Insurance Company, Mutual of Omaha Holdings, Inc., Mutual of Omaha Marketing Corporation, Medicare Advantage Insurance Company of Omaha, Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advantage Company, Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, Inc., Mutual of Omaha Structured Settlement Company, Omaha Health Insurance Company, Omaha Reinsurance Company, Omaha Supplemental Insurance Company and United World Life Insurance Company.
Scholtz is a current member of the board of directors for the Childrens Hospital & Medical Center. She has served on the board of directors for the Mutual of Omaha Foundation, United Way of the Midlands, the Wellness Council of the Midlands, Heartland Family Service, and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee.
Dr. Ryan Sewell earned both his medical and law degrees from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology at Boston Childrens Hospital. Dr. Sewell is board-certified in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and holds surgical privileges at Childrens Hospital & Medical Center. He practices at ENT Specialists, P.C., which treats both adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Sewell currently serves as Childrens Medical Staff President.
Dr. Jayesh Thakker is a pediatric critical care specialist at Childrens. He is the Division Chief of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and an Associate Professor in the department of Pediatrics at UNMC. He has practiced at Childrens for more than 22 years. He serves as the Medical Director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Nebraska Medicine and is also a member of the Pediatric subcommittee of the Quality & Patient Safety Committee of the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Thakker received his medical degree from Seth G. S. Medical College in Mumbai. He completed pediatric residencies at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai and Cook County Hospital, Chicago, as well as a fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin. Dr. Thakker holds a Master of Science degree in Physiology from the Medical College of Wisconsin and earned an Executive MBA, with health care focus, from Creighton University.
As general counsel for McCarthy Capital, Jonathan Wegner oversees all of McCarthy Capitals legal matters. Jonathan previously worked at Baird Holm LLP, where he chaired its Corporate Transactions and Wealth Management Section. He is experienced in structuring and executing mergers and acquisitions. Jonathan brings his finance, legal and journalism expertise to Childrens board. Jonathan holds a bachelors degree from Santa Clara University and received a fellowship to study at Oxford University. He holds a Masters in Journalism from Northwestern University and his Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law.
Teamwork, friendly coworkers, a supportive leadership team, and a family-like atmosphere make our workplace feel like home. You will enjoy autonomy, the respect of our world-class physicians, and the opportunity to advance your career.
The Carolyn Scott Rainbow House located at7825 Farnam Drive in Omaha is a 56-room guest house for out-of-town families who are coming to Childrens Hospital & Medical Center from more than 60 miles outside of Omaha.
We felt a camaraderie with the other parents at the Rainbow House. The staff was wonderful, too. They became like family over the months we were there, always making sure we had what we needed. Were continually thankful for the Rainbow House. It makes such a huge difference for families traveling from far away and dealing with the stress of their sick children.
Our first priority is to provide lodging for parents, guardians, and siblings of Childrens patients who live more than 60 miles from Omaha. While Rainbow House cannot offer accommodations to extended family, we do have recommendations for nearby hotels that provide patient family discounts.
Occasionally, we are able to offer meals donated by community groups and individuals. On days when meals are scheduled, we will post a menu and food will be served buffet-style between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Meals are not scheduled for Fridays or Saturdays.