Q&A: Amanda’s Journey as an ICU Nurse and ECMO Specialist

In recognition of National Nurses Month, we’re highlighting the work and dedication of nurses across Renown Health. Nurses play a key role in patient care every day, from supporting families to managing complex, critical situations.

In this Q+A, we hear from Amanda, an ICU nurse and ECMO specialist at Renown Regional, who shares what led her to nursing, what it’s like working in the Cardiac ICU and what keeps her grounded in such a fast-paced environment.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?

During my freshman year in college, I volunteered in the ER here at Renown, thinking that I wanted to apply to medical school. But after several shifts of observing the workflow of the doctors and nurses, I knew I wanted to be a nurse. Nurses get to spend the most time with the patients, not only taking care of them medically but also getting to know them and their families. I like the blend of both!

Q: Can you describe your current role and what a typical day looks like?

A typical day starts with getting a report on your patients from the off-going nurse. Then you quickly but thoroughly assess your patients, verify all medications they are on and do a chart review to make sure you are fully up to date on everything.

Shortly after that, we do interdisciplinary team rounds on all patients, where the nurse, physician, pharmacist, respiratory therapist and charge nurse talk about each patient individually to make sure we are not missing anything and that we are all on the same page for the patient to receive the best care.

After that, the day is a whirlwind of administering and titrating medications, taking care of our patients’ needs (i.e., turns, baths, toileting, brushing teeth, etc.), updating physicians, updating family members, drawing labs, going for “road trips” (aka CT scans, MRIs, procedures) and all of the charting in between.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love the teamwork that happens in the ICU. Everyone is so invested in all our patients and their families — the second a patient isn’t doing well or a nurse needs help, people are there.

It’s no surprise that ICU nursing can be overwhelming, both physically and mentally. But having a team that always shows up without question makes it doable and enjoyable!

Q: What skills or qualities are most important in your role?

For me, the most important qualities are empathy, a thirst for knowledge and teamwork. Empathy is important in all aspects of nursing, and if you don’t have this quality, you will have a hard time connecting with any of your patients and their families.

A strong thirst for knowledge is just as important. As I mentioned before, medicine and nursing practice are constantly changing, so we have to change with it and be willing to learn to stay up to date and provide the best care that we can.

Lastly, teamwork is important in all fields; however, in the ICU, without teamwork, you will inevitably struggle. Teamwork truly is the difference between a critically ill patient living and dying.

Q: How does your role contribute to patient care or the overall team?

ICU nurses have a unique role in helping contribute to the team and patient care in countless ways. Not only do we provide basic care for the patient, but we also get to titrate life-saving medications, assist our intensivists with procedures, learn to care for patients with advanced life-support devices and more.

But arguably, the most important contributions we make are that we are the eyes for the doctor and the ears for the patient and family. We are always at the bedside and are able to rapidly detect changes in our patients and alert the physicians to help stay ahead of our patient’s illness.

Because we are at the bedside constantly, we are able to listen closely to our patients and their families, address their fears and concerns and comfort them on what might be the worst day of their life.

Q: What has been a meaningful or memorable moment in your career so far?

One of the most meaningful moments for me thus far was getting to be the primary nurse for our first ECMO patient at Renown. For years, and through a pandemic, we took care of patients that we knew would benefit from ECMO but never had the chance to help them, or we would transfer them out to an ECMO center and not know what happened to them.

Being able to advocate for and be present for our first ECMO run and know that it made a difference for the patient and family is something I will never forget.

Q: How has your perspective on nursing evolved over time?

We are in a pivotal time in healthcare and nursing specifically. I started as a nurse a few years before the pandemic and then worked in the COVID ICU during it, so I definitely have a unique perspective.

Because of staffing challenges during the pandemic and the recognition of the autonomy, skill and dedication it takes to be a nurse, I believe nursing is valued more now than ever. However, healthcare is a tiring and relentless job.

The last few years have taught me that nursing is more complex than ever. It is a highly respected and rewarding career, and the physical and mental toll it takes must be balanced to build more resilience in the field.

Q: What keeps you motivated in your work?

What always keeps me motivated is knowing that we are treating the people of our community. I was born and raised here, and this close-knit community is something I cherish.

Northern Nevada is growing fast, and we are offering more specialty services that keep our patients local and near their families. Knowing that I need to be at the top of my game to provide the best care and make this possible keeps me determined and fulfilled.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nursing?

Be prepared to be adaptable. Like all fields in healthcare, change is a part of the job. Knowing that going into it will set you up for success instead of frustration.

Nursing truly is one of the greatest careers you could choose. Between the different specialties offered, the vast opportunities for career growth, the friendships you will make and the bonds you will form with patients and their families, you can’t go wrong.

Nurses play a critical role in caring for patients and supporting families every day. Amanda’s experience reflects the teamwork and dedication that goes into that work across our community. We’re grateful to Amanda and all nurses for the care and compassion you bring to patients and families every day. Happy Nurses Month!