Eric Bell: Advancing nursing through education, leadership, compassion

May is Nurse Appreciation Month — a special time to recognize the dedication, compassion and expertise that nurses bring to healthcare every day.

Ohio University Zanesville is proud to spotlight one outstanding individual who exemplifies these qualities through his commitment to nursing education and leadership.

Eric Bell, assistant professor of instruction in nursing at OHIO Zanesville, recently celebrated a major academic milestone: earning his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

His motivation to pursue this advanced degree stemmed from a blend of personal passion and professional purpose. With years of experience in nursing practice and education, Bell recognized the important impact that clinical expertise, leadership, and evidence-based practice can have on patient care and nursing outcomes.

“I wanted to bridge the gap between research and real-world care,” he explains. “The DNP has allowed me to deepen my knowledge, enhance my teaching and contribute more meaningfully to both the profession and the healthcare system.”

Bell’s commitment to lifelong learning has shaped not only his career path but also his approach to teaching. At OHIO Zanesville, he finds great fulfillment in mentoring future nurses within a close-knit, community-focused learning environment.

“Our students bring incredible determination and a deep sense of purpose. Watching them grow in confidence and clinical reasoning is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role,” he says.

Small class sizes and a supportive culture

The small class sizes and supportive culture at OHIO Zanesville allow for personalized instruction and authentic connections. Bell particularly enjoys those breakthrough moments, when students connect theory with practice, whether that is mastering a complex pathophysiological concept or navigating a clinical scenario.

“These are the moments when you see students truly step into their role as future nurses,” he adds.

Since joining OHIO Zanesville, Bell’s role has evolved significantly. While he initially focused on mastering curriculum delivery and foundational instruction, his responsibilities have expanded to include program development, academic committee work, and alignment with updated NCLEX-RN standards. He now plays an integral part in shaping not just student learning but the broader direction of nursing education at the campus.

He’s also become a trusted mentor by helping students navigate not only academic challenges, but personal growth as well.

“Mentorship has become a deeply meaningful part of my work. Supporting students through difficult decisions or encouraging them to trust their voice in clinical settings is incredibly fulfilling,” Bell says.

Purpose, perseverance and presence

Bell often shares three key themes with students beginning their nursing journey: purpose, perseverance and presence. He encourages them to stay grounded in their “why,” embrace the process of becoming a nurse and remain fully engaged in every learning opportunity.

“No one starts this journey knowing everything,” he reminds them. “Growth happens step by step, through curiosity, mistakes, and reflection.”

Pam Sealover, director of nursing at OHIO Zanesville, shared “Eric embodies the spirit and culture of our Ohio University Zanesville Nursing Department. He is dedicated to assisting students towards reaching their goal of becoming caring, compassionate, and competent nurses. Eric is a welcome addition to our team of student-centric nursing educators.”

With his DNP complete, Bell is focused on applying his expertise to enhance nursing education and clinical practice. He plans to integrate more high-impact, practice-based strategies into the classroom through simulation, professional collaboration and preparation for the Next Gen NCLEX. He’s also passionate about supporting students and new educators through scholarships, resilience-building and quality improvement initiatives.

His ultimate goal? To help shape nurses who are not only technically skilled, but also empathetic, reflective and ready to lead.

“Nurses today must be more than task-oriented. They need to think critically, advocate fiercely, and care holistically,” Bell says. “I want to equip them not only to meet today’s challenges, but to shape the future of healthcare.”

Bell’s own nursing journey began at age 16 as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) in long-term care. That early experience sparked a career built on compassion, curiosity and service.

“I’m incredibly grateful for where this profession has taken me,” he shares. “Finding my home at OHIO Zanesville has confirmed that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

He credits the love and support of his wife, family and friends for helping him reach this milestone.

“Although the DNP journey has come to an end,” he says, “my story and my work are just beginning.”

Learn more about the nursing program at OHIO Zanesville and schedule your campus visit today.