Meet Elizabeth (Betsy) Holtel, DNP, RN, CPN, CNE, clinical assistant professor and NCLEX success coordinator at the IU School of Nursing. Her primary nursing experience has been in pediatric settings. She also has experience in nursing professional development. Dr. Holtel joined the IU School of Nursing in 2009 and taught a variety of courses in the undergraduate program, including pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, community nursing, health assessment, capstone and nursing synthesis.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing the growth in students as they are learning to think like a nurse. I am fortunate to have taught courses in the first semester of the nursing program, the middle, and the final semester. The learning and growth are amazing to see. Typically, in beginning nursing courses, students crave a “black and white” answer. In nursing and healthcare, most of the answers are not black and white. As students continue through the program, they get a little more comfortable with the “it depends” answers and learn how to find the answer based on the situation.
One thing I am passionate about is helping students be successful in passing their Nursing Clinical Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). With that, I focus on test-taking strategies with students and help them learn how to read test questions and determine what the question is asking. Seeing the light bulb moments when students are able to pull out the context clues and really figure out the point of the question to determine the correct answer is very rewarding.
What inspires you?
Our students! I am amazed at how much grit and perseverance students have. When I learn about the challenges and responsibilities many of our students’ face, I am amazed at their ability to continue to show up, learn, and juggle the many things they have going on in their lives. Seeing students’ determination to persevere despite challenges inspires me to bring the best version of myself, so that I can be there to facilitate their learning. I am honored to play a small role in their educational journey.
What advice do you have for nursing students?
My best advice for students is to do your best to balance your time between school, work, family, and other obligations. Don’t underestimate the amount of time assignments and studying will take. Also, self-care is important. Don’t let it be the one thing you let go of while you are in school. Schedule time in your week to do something just for you to take care of yourself; for example, exercising, a hobby, or spending time with friends and family. And finally, reach out to your faculty and/or advisor if you need help. Don’t be afraid to let us know that you are struggling. We are here to help. It is better to reach out for help early rather than waiting until the end of the semester.
My advice for students about to graduate is to ask questions. You will continue to learn throughout your career. In school, you learn a little bit about a lot of things. However, once you begin your career as an RN, you will dive deep into the specialty area that you choose. Whether that be medical-surgical, pediatrics, public health, women’s health, emergency nursing and so on, you will deepen your knowledge in that area and develop expertise if you stay in that area long term. The best way to learn is to ask questions and seek out information. Lifelong learning is a principle I value, and I hope to instill the desire for lifelong learning into my students.
What would students be surprised to find out about you?
I enjoy creating things. I have dabbled in many different crafts and artforms. The thing I’ve done most long-term is sewing. I won a blue ribbon at the Indiana State Fair as a child for a skirt I made in 4-H! Today I mainly make quilts and other sewn items such a bags, pillows, and curtains. Over the years, I have done wheel thrown pottery, basket weaving, glass blowing, jewelry making, and the list could go on.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m an IU Grad x2! I received both my BSN and MSN at IU School of Nursing, and I absolutely love to continue to be a part of IUSON as faculty!
I am married to my husband, Joe. We have a 12 ½-year-old dog named Ari, who sometimes acts like a puppy. We enjoy working on projects around the house and traveling.
