Elevating Health Care Quality
Pride of PNW: Beth Vottero, Ph.D., RN, CNE, ANEF
Beth Vottero, professor of Nursing, is dedicated to elevating the standards of nursing practice and preparing the next generation of nurses.
Leading and participating in multi-site educational research to develop evidence-based strategies for teaching, her research focuses on quality improvement in nursing and has generated a body of knowledge for nursing educators.
As the director of the Indiana Center for Evidence Based Nursing Practice (ICEBNP), Vottero’s work extends beyond the state’s borders. The ICEBNP, located in PNW’s College of Nursing, is part of a global cooperative effort to expand the understanding and use of research-based evidence to produce the best patient outcomes.
Through her collaboration with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), she actively participates and contributes to global healthcare initiatives by publishing systematic reviews, which summarize the results of multiple studies to aid in clinical decisions. Her work with JBI, which includes delivering Comprehensive Systematic Review Training and Evidence Implementation Fellowship programs, provides evidenced-based information, education and training designed to support teaching methodologies and enhance patient care.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Vottero is committed to being a role model for her students. By actively engaging in research and systematic reviews, she not only imparts the importance of evidence to support interventions when providing care but contributes to the body of knowledge students are able to use.
“When I tell students to use high-quality evidence such as systematic reviews for their interventions, it makes me feel good that they see my name as one of the authors,” says Vottero. “They see their professor contributing to the body of knowledge, which gives me authenticity in my teaching.”
Vottero was recently inducted as a Fellow into the Academy of Nursing Education as a member of the National League for Nursing’s 2023 Class of Fellows.
It is okay to make mistakes— that is when learning happens. If you are right all the time, you become complacent. It is important to own the mistake and take the opportunity to grow from it.
Beth Vottero, Professor of Nursing
How do you inspire your students at PNW?
I live what I teach. I believe in Mahatma Gandhi’s saying “be the change you wish to see in the world.” If I say that I value evidence-based practice, then I will engage in generating the evidence through research. I think it’s important to be real with students, explaining, demonstrating and then showing them the outcomes.
What piece of advice do you typically share with new students?
It is okay to make mistakes— that is when learning happens. If you are right all the time, you become complacent. It is important to own the mistake and take the opportunity to grow from it.
What is something about you most people don’t know?
I was a single parent (two boys) throughout my undergrad, graduate and doctoral studies. I understand how hard it is to balance work, family, school and life. I have been the struggling student and can empathize with the time demands. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and motivation to be successful in all areas. It is possible to chase your career dreams while supporting your children to achieve their goals successfully. I hope to inspire others to know that they can do it too.
What do you like to do outside of the classroom or on weekends?
I like to think of myself as an abstract artist (more like I enjoy feeding my artistic side). I love to paint abstracts and feel complete when I have a paintbrush in my hand. I also enjoy knitting and crocheting, making unique things from unusual yarns.
The Pride of PNW series highlights Purdue Northwest researchers, scientists and practitioners from around the world who are driving change in their fields.
