Nurse practitioner influenced by her grandmother’s care

Heather Hosfield went back to school for a nursing degree after observing the care her grandmother received.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

Heather Hosfield has found her role in caring for others. She works as a nurse practitioner specializing in endocrinology at IU Health University Hospital. She grew up in Anderson, IN. and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health from Indiana University. Here’s a little more about her:

How long have you been with IUH and in your current position?

I worked for IU Health at University Hospital as a registered nurse from 2004-2012, primarily on Krannert. I rejoined IU Health March 2025 in my current role. I have been a nurse practitioner since 2012, working within the specialty of endocrinology since 2014.

What brought you to the nursing field?

My grandmother was under the care of hospice nurses after developing lung cancer. Their care for her and our family during that emotional time had a huge influence on my decision to become a nurse. I experienced firsthand the care and compassion nurses can have on the lives of individuals during some of their most difficult and challenging times. I have always loved learning, so continuing my education to become a nurse practitioner seemed like the natural progression to continue learning. I also liked the idea of having more autonomy in my career, while still being able to care for people. I have had many wonderful mentors along the way that have helped influence my career.

What is a typical day for you?

I work at University Hospital within the specialty of endocrinology. I specifically manage blood sugar control for hospitalized patients during their stay when our team is consulted. Some of these patients have pre-existing diabetes, while others may have high blood sugars from receiving tube feedings, TPN, or steroids. I work most closely with the endocrinology fellows and faculty physicians within our department, who are on service for two to four- week rotations. I also work closely with our diabetes educators.

What do you like best about your job?

I like the diverse group of people I get to work with and interact with on a daily basis. They often teach me something new or help me look at something differently than I would have otherwise. I also like that no two days are exactly the same.

Personally: Hosfield and her husband, Sean, have been married for 29 years. They have two grown children, Holly and Andrew, and a son-in-law, Arman. They have two retired greyhounds, “Darla” and “Mabel,” who bring them lots of joy. In her free time, she loves to read (suspense, personal enrichment, personal finance), listen to podcasts, and travel. Visiting Alaska last year was one of her favorite recent travel destinations.