Meet Cindy Hill, DNP, RN, CPN, CNE, and clinical assistant professor at the IU School of Nursing. (She is pictured above, far right, with IU School of Nursing students.) Dr. Hill has been an RN and worked in nursing for 35 years in both inpatient and community health settings. She holds national certification as a pediatric nurse, as well as state certification (teaching license) in school health. Dr. Hill is also certified in nursing education. She is active in a local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, and she also serves as the Indiana director of the National Association of School Nurses.
Why did you choose to become a nurse?
My father was ill most of my childhood. He had rheumatic fever as a child and heart issues stemming from this illness. I spent a lot of time in hospitals observing nurses caring for him. I knew I always loved taking time to talk and get to know people, so this seemed a natural career for me to focus on caring for others. It is amazing how people just know when someone else is a nurse. I once was hiking with my husband on vacation. We had entered a slippery area on some rocks, and I knew the person behind me might fall. I waited and helped her through the trail. She commented, "You must be a nurse, No one else would think to wait and help."
What is something you wish people knew about your area of study/research?
My specialty is pediatrics, specifically caring for youth with special healthcare needs. Since much of my nursing work has focused on community and public health, it is important to take time to educate and advocate for the awareness of the impact of the social determinants of health on our patients. People with disabilities often face discrimination and face even more obstacles due to the determinants. Nurses can lead in this area of advocation for our patients since we are the most trusted profession. We must have courage to use our voice!
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Having the chance to mold the next generation of nurses! I love receiving emails from students who want to tell me when they have had the opportunity to advocate in a specific situation for their patients. That is one of the most rewarding things! I also enjoy taking students to our local food pantries and the IU Student Outreach Clinic. It is very rewarding to teach students how to serve in our community.
What is the most helpful advice you’ve ever received?
To be present in the moment of caring for our patients. Whether in the hospital or out in the community, our patients are in need of assistance and advocation more than ever. Caring for them and taking time to listen to their needs will often lead to solutions to their health problems and a more positive outcome.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Nursing is an amazing, personal, and rewarding profession. At IU School of Nursing, I am surrounded by talented colleagues who inspire me to focus more on how to impact our patients, the health of Hoosiers, as well as global health outcomes.
