When Elizabeth Carter (HHS’12) landed her job at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health in Indianapolis, she didn’t just fulfill her dream, she actually was returning to where her life began. As a quadruplet born at 30 weeks, she started life in the Riley Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU); and now, all grown up, she is giving back to the place that made such an impact on her life. To this day, Carter’s family maintains contact with the staff that cared for the quads.

“No family ever imagines their child starting their life in the NICU. I get to be here with families as they go through the ups and downs, and those relationships are so special.”

—Elizabeth Carter

“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and work in the Riley NICU. No family ever imagines their child starting their life in the NICU. I get to be here with families as they go through the ups and downs, and those relationships are so special,” she says. 

With her dream fulfilled, Carter’s love for nursing and desire to travel have sparked a new adventure recently. For the past six months, she has been working as a travel nurse. After being hired by a recruiting agency, she gets the opportunity to take three-month assignments at different NICUs that temporarily need a nurse. She is currently working in California. 

“After a few Purdue friends started traveling, it really inspired me to start traveling and find my own adventures,” Carter says. “Each hospital is different, but the core is the same, which is caring for the smallest of lives. I really enjoy the experience and getting to know new coworkers. Plus, I find that I explore the area more during my off time since I know my stay will be limited.”

Although she is enjoying her travels, Carter’s heart will always be at Riley. The goal is to end up back at Riley once her travel nursing commitment is over. She has stayed on as a part-time nurse and returns every couple of months to work a few shifts and see family members, who all are still in the Indianapolis area. Although her sisters all attended different schools, they are very close. The quad bond is unique and family means everything, which translates for Carter into a passion for helping others who have a rough start in life.

“I have the great opportunity to build relationships with some fantastic families — especially those of the patients that stay in the hospital for months. Seeing the patients hit milestones is so rewarding, and I experience the joy alongside the families. But when a patient gets to go home, that is the best day.”