Amanda G. Sweet, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CCRN

As a past pediatric patient at Dartmouth Health, it’s an honor to come full circle and take the role of care provider. I’ll never forget how my pediatrician went beyond my medical concerns to get to know me as a person. He was always curious about how I was doing in school and at home, and whether I had picked up new hobbies. I aspire to take a similar path. I’m privileged to meet different patients and families daily. Those interactions present the perfect opportunity to talk about wellness and preventive health practices. I discuss: Food choices Sleep routines Physical activity Ways to decrease stress The mind-body connection When people learn healthy lifestyle practices early, they are more likely to carry them into adulthood and pass those practices on to future generations. My role is to help introduce and maintain those beneficial habits. I love being in a position to not only share recommendations but learn from patients as well. Hearing about their interests and aspirations is a joy. There are challenging moments in pediatrics for sure, but there is also so much fun and hope. The honesty, resiliency and creativity of children continue to inspire me. By working together, patients, families, clinicians, supporting staff and I can provide care that fits each unique need. Collaborating with a passionate team means I’m constantly learning and growing. It’s the support I need to achieve my goal of providing the best pediatric care possible.

I get to know my patients well and work with them to learn as much as I can about their disease. Together we forge a treatment plan that will help them resume an active life with as little disability as possible.

For 17 years, I provided reactive, life-saving care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). I saw patients who—with earlier intervention—could’ve avoided the ICU altogether. Those experiences motivated me to continue my education and meet that patient need as a primary care APRN focusing on: Preventative care Chronic illness End-of-life care My approach is a holistic one. That means I address the whole body, taking all factors into consideration, from environmental, psychological, cultural and gender identity to social and physical. As an avid traveler, hiker and cycler, I always encourage getting outdoors. Another side of my holistic approach is extending care beyond the patient. Support structures like family, friends and the community are essential for empowering patients. I'm also a source of support. I want my patients to view me as an ally who is compassionate, caring and a capable problem-solver. We are partners in their healthcare decision-making. I genuinely believe building solid relationships with my patients is the most rewarding part of my work.