Get to know UIndy alumna and faculty member Janice Wellington ‘99 ‘16, assistant professor of practice in the UIndy School of Nursing!
Which courses do you typically teach?
I teach courses on Acute Transitional Nursing Care (NURB-290), and I am a Nursing Success Coach.
What inspired you to pursue a teaching career in nursing?
My inspiration to pursue nursing came from a combination of personal experiences and a deep desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. I was drawn to the field because of its unique blend of science and compassion and the opportunity to be at the forefront of patient care. I found the human connection in nursing and being there for people during their most vulnerable moments truly compelling.
Additionally, I saw the impact that skilled nurses had on my own family members during their health challenges, and that sense of care and support left a lasting impression on me. I wanted to be part of a profession where I could advocate for patients, provide comfort, and contribute to better health outcomes. At thirteen, I had the privilege to help my mother take care of my grandmother, which provided me the ability to develop compassion and empathy, build patience, enhance communication skills, learn about problem-solving and adaptability, strengthen responsibility and time management, and foster resilience.
Moreover, nursing offers such a wide variety of specialties and career paths, from bedside care to research and education, which aligns with my passion for lifelong learning and adapting to the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
While obtaining my undergrad in nursing, I did not have positive support from my professors; therefore, I just struggled. It was hard and daunting. I prayed to God that if I ever got an opportunity to teach nursing students, I would mentor and support them to become very successful and show them how to do their personal best. My goal is to make a lasting impression on students’ lives.
What is the best part of being a faculty member at UIndy?
The best part of being a nursing faculty member at UIndy is the opportunity to inspire, educate, and mentor the next generation of nurses while contributing to both the academic community and the advancement of healthcare practice. The role offers a balance of intellectual challenge, personal fulfillment, and professional growth.
As a nursing professor, I am deeply committed to the values of integrity, compassion, and excellence. My mission is to empower students to become not only skilled practitioners but also compassionate caregivers who advocate for their patients and communities. I believe in the importance of a holistic approach to nursing education that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. By instilling these values in my students, I hope to contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession and the health of our society.
What research or projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working with a few nursing faculty on developing a Nursing Success Coaching Program in the School of Nursing with a team approach. The program’s mission is to foster nursing student success in the areas of academic progression, graduation, personal
wellness, and professional preparedness. To empower students through relevant, meaningful programming and resources; purposeful coaching; personal mentorship; and engaging academic success support.
What sets your program apart, and how does it prepare students for success in their careers?
UIndy offers a range of nursing degrees, including traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Accelerated BSN (both on campus and distance formats for flexibility), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Several specialized tracks, like the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) program, allow students to customize their career path further.
The Simulation Center provides hands-on experience and prepares students for real-world healthcare scenarios. Simulation and traditional clinical experiences, along with partnerships with local hospitals, give students practical experience in diverse clinical settings.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience you had with a student or alum?
About two years ago, I had a senior nursing student from Saudi Arabia who was in our BSN Traditional Nursing program. He was struggling with a nursing course while providing sole care for his three-year-old daughter. When I initially met with this student, I was primarily concerned with getting him back on track and helping him succeed in the class.
I developed a written plan for him and instructed him that we would meet weekly. I prayed for this student and asked God to guide me with wisdom and knowledge. He received A’s on both exams and successfully passed the course. Even today, my heart is happy when I think about how I made a lasting impact on this student’s life.
What is one accomplishment that you are particularly proud of from your time at UIndy?
My biggest accomplishments involve enhancing student learning outcomes through innovative teaching methods in the classroom and impacting my students’ ability to learn and be successful. My implementation of creative and effective teaching strategies that improve student engagement, retention, and understanding is a major source of pride. It is a goal of mine to support all students, but, especially as an African American professor, supporting students of color. By actively supporting students of color, I can help create a more equitable, inclusive, and effective healthcare system, benefitting both the profession and the communities they serve.
What advice do you have for students pursuing a career in Nursing?
Develop strong time management and communication skills, and embrace the philosophy of “lifelong learning.” I advise students to seek out practical experience and mentorship early on and have strong values of compassion to guide them.
What is one thing you wish your students knew about you?
My personal nursing journey was not easy. As a result of this, I am deeply invested in their success, both academically and personally. While it may seem that professors are focused solely on coursework, many, like myself, genuinely care about our students’ overall well-being and long-term careers. I spend time outside of class thinking about how to improve lessons, create better learning experiences, and help students navigate the pressures of nursing school.
What’s a hobby or interest you have that might surprise your students?
I enjoy flower gardening and singing on the worship team at Heartland church.
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires you?
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quote emphasizes the importance of inner strength and resilience, reminding students that their potential is shaped by their character and determination rather than their past or future circumstances.
If you weren’t in academia, what career would you choose and why?
I love bedside nursing as much as teaching in academia, so it would be my second choice for a career. I currently work part-time at Franciscan Health in the bone marrow transplant unit. I have been employed at the hospital for 41 years, and I enjoy making a difference in my patients’ lives. I have worked in critical care, emergency room, adult intensive care, cath lab, the open heart surgery and step-down units, PCC, and as a nursing supervisor and unit manager. My journey has been wonderful, and nursing has been a very rewarding career. I truly LOVE what I do.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve traveled to, and what did you learn from the experience?
Savannah, Georgia is a city rich in history, culture, and southern charm. If you visit, I encourage you to visit the Savannah History Museum, located in the old passenger depot, which covers 280 years of Savannah’s history. It is a great place to learn about the city’s significant role in American history through the extensive American Revolution and Civil War exhibits.
What is one must-visit spot, restaurant, or event in the Indianapolis area that you recommend to students?
I recommend attending a concert at the Palladium or eating dinner at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse.
