Betsy Smith
Allen School of Nursing Class of 1996 – Diploma

Employment History

Allen Birthing Center, Labor and Delivery Nurse. I was offered a job because of an amazing clinical experience in nursing school, and I started in OB in 1996 right after graduation and the rest is history!

What led you to this career path?

I cannot give one reason why I wanted to become a nurse. I even dropped out of school because it was so hard, and at one point I was told that I might not have what it takes to be a nurse. But I had to be a nurse – so I came back to Allen School of Nursing and worked a little harder and graduated as the student body vice president. I failed my boards the first time I took them, but I had very strong support and did not give up my dream. Allen OB said they would hold my job for me, so I dug deep and did pass my boards! I got to start my dream job. I have worked it proudly ever since and cannot imagine doing anything else.

Any awards, accomplishments or proud moments?

I have been recognized for many accomplishments and awards; however, my proud moments come when people share how they enjoyed being cared for by me and my coworkers. When someone says to me, “You can tell you love your job” – this is the greatest accomplishment. I hope my kids are proud of me, I hope the instructors that believed in me are proud. I hope that I have made Allen School of Nursing, Allen College, and Allen Hospital proud. I hope I am able to do so much more to honor where I have come from and where I have been all because of being an Allen graduate and an Allen OB nurse.

Click here to read about Betsy being recognized for the Cedar Valley Top 10 Nurses award.

How did Allen College help prepare you for where you are now?

I was very active in college with many organizations and leadership roles. I feel like this helped prepare me to be active in the community and in my professional world. As a student, I was active with volunteering at Allen Hospital for different things and I still today continue to represent Allen when I can. I encourage students to get involved!

What piece of advice would you give to current Allen students?

Work hard and then work harder! Have fun! Laugh and enjoy the journey! It is worth every tear!! Surround yourself with good people that lift you up help you shine so that you can lift another higher and shine brighter for them when needed!

Care for people as you want to be cared for. Make sure they sparkle!