Providing compassionate care as a registered nurse for more than half of her life, Margaret Hoffman made a difference in many people’s lives.

In her passing, Margaret’s husband, William, has arranged for a way that his late wife can still impact people.

William has created a memorial nursing scholarship at Western Nevada College to honor Margaret. WNC nursing student Natalie Gillis started receiving the $2,500 scholarship in Margaret’s honor in Fall 2023. The scholarship will also be offered to WNC nursing students in ensuing years.

"We are so thankful to William for creating this scholarship in memory of Margaret," said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. "This scholarship will help many of our students pursue a crucial profession where they will be able to make a difference like Margaret did."

After graduating from the Nursing School at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, N.Y., and interning at Cornell Medical Institute, Margaret went to work as a nurse at Southampton Hospital.

Margaret eventually moved West, drawn to the beauty of Northern Nevada. The Silver State became her home for the rest of her life, with many of those years devoted to nursing, specifically the care of elderly people.

She built a legacy at Carson Tahoe Hospital, where she worked as a nurse for 30 years.

“Margaret was a nurses’ nurse,” said nursing colleague Maria Freed. “She guided new nurses with respect and graciousness. She consistently did the right thing for the patient and had some fun at it along the way. She was an honest and sincere person who always made you feel like you were her priority.”

Margaret served in pediatrics for several years, then was assigned to the medical oncology floor, which specializes in the care of cancer patients. She played a key role for the interdisciplinary care team, which included physicians, RNs, licensed practical nurses, social workers, case workers and physical and respiratory therapists. She provided individual treatment regimens for patients of all ages with a broad range of health issues. She ensured that doctors' orders were effectively interpreted and carried out, including testing, medical procedures, consultations and stat orders.

Meeting all of these demands and then some earned Margaret a reputation for excellence in service delivery and work attendance. She received exemplary personnel evaluations and positive supervisor comments expressing outstanding RN clinical skills, excellent interpersonal skills and establishing a rapport with a diverse and often elderly patient population.

“Margaret was very reliable,” said Debby Klipp, who also worked with Margaret. “You could count on her backup if you needed it. She was kind and I loved her stories. She could always make you laugh. I enjoyed working with her.”

Some of her accomplishments included a nomination for Nurse of Distinction Award in the category of patient advocacy; assisting in refining unit policies and procedures for oncology administration procedures, safety methods, discharge planning and documentation; treating an average of seven acutely ill patients daily; responding to numerous volatile patients, earning respect of physicians and co-workers for her calm, levelheaded and quick thinking to restore the well-being of the patient; completing annual training for license renewal; and more.

New nurses benefitted from helpfulness and genuine kindness.

“Margaret was the first person I ran into on my first day at CTH. She showed me where everything was and made me feel welcome,” said Renee Crookham. “She was a sweet lady. “

Margaret married William in 1987, creating a partnership that spanned more than 35 wonderful years, providing many memories.

In her memory, William has created this scholarship through WNC Foundation to assist a WNC nursing school student each year. The first scholarship recipient, Gillis, is very appreciative of the generosity that has allowed her to focus on becoming a nurse.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude for supporting my journey through nursing school,” said Gillis in thanking Mr. Hoffman. “Your contribution to my education has helped more than you know. Your generous financial support has significantly lightened the burden of my educational expenses, allowing me to finish my nursing degree and focus on my studies.”

Gillis is excited about her future, thanks to the efforts of many generous and hardworking people.

“Throughout my journey at Western Nevada College, I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated faculty, supportive peers and very valuable learning opportunities,” she said. “The nursing program has challenged and inspired me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am excited about the positive impact I will make among the community here in western Nevada.”

Through the Margaret Memorial Scholarship, Natalie and other nursing students at WNC will be able to pursue a career where they can make a difference in people’s lives and one that made Margaret very happy.