July 16, 2024
Pride of the PNW: Dr. Beth Vottero, RN, CNE, ANEF
Beth Vottero, professor of nursing, is committed to raising the standard of nursing practice and preparing the next generation of nurses.
She has led and participated in educational studies in multiple locations to develop evidence-based strategies for education, conducted research focused on nursing quality improvement, and generated a body of knowledge for nurse educators.
As director of the Indiana Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (ICEBNP), Vottero’s work reaches beyond state lines. Located in the PNW School of Nursing, ICEBNP is part of a global collaborative effort to expand the understanding and use of research-based evidence to produce the best outcomes for patients.
Through her collaboration with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), she actively participates and contributes to global healthcare efforts by publishing systematic reviews that synthesize findings from multiple studies to support clinical decision making. Her work at JBI includes delivering comprehensive systematic review training and evidence implementation fellowship programs, providing evidence-based information, education, and training designed to support teaching methods and enhance patient care.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Vottero is committed to being a role model for her students, actively participating in research and systematic reviews to not only convey the importance of evidence supporting interventions in providing care, but also to helping build a body of knowledge that students can draw upon.
“When I ask my students to use high-quality evidence, such as systematic reviews, for their interventions, I love it when they see my name as one of the authors,” Vottero says. “They see that they’re contributing to the body of knowledge, and it gives them credibility in my teaching.”
Vottero was recently elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Nursing Education as part of the National League for Nursing’s 2023 Class of Fellows.
It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s when we make mistakes that we learn. If we’re always right, we can become complacent. It’s important to acknowledge our mistakes and take the opportunity to grow from them.
Beth Vottero, Professor of Nursing
How do you inspire students at PNW?
I practice what I preach. I believe in Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If I value evidence-based practice, I work to generate evidence through research. I believe in being authentic with my students, explaining, demonstrating, and showing results.
What advice do you typically give to new students?
It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s when we make mistakes that we learn. If we’re always right, we can become complacent. It’s important to acknowledge our mistakes and take the opportunity to grow from them.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I was a single mother (to two sons) throughout college, grad school, and my PhD studies. I understand how difficult it can be to balance work, family, school, and life. I was a struggling student myself, so I can empathize with the demands on my time. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and motivation to be successful in any field. It is possible to support your children in reaching their goals while pursuing your own career dreams. I want to inspire others to know that it is possible too.
What do you like to do outside of class and on weekends?
I consider myself an abstract painter (or more like someone who enjoys feeding my artistic side). I love painting abstract art and feel fulfilled when I have a paintbrush in my hand. I also enjoy knitting, crocheting, and creating unique things with unusual yarns.
The Pride of PNW series will spotlight Purdue Northwest researchers, scientists and practitioners from around the world who are driving change in their fields.
