Amanda Dirnberger, MS, APRN, FNP-BC is a Clinical Assistant Professor at DePaul University. She has been nominated for the Illinois Nurses Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Awards by Dana Merk for her passion for community health, commitment to eliminating healthcare disparities, and dedication to nursing education make her a true leader in the field.
Amanda has been awarded the 2024 Illinois Nurses foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Designed to highlight young nurses that are making a lasting difference in the healthcare industry, this award celebrates those who shape the future of nursing.
A Decade of Dedication to Health Equity
For the past decade, Amanda has tirelessly worked to promote equity in healthcare, focusing on underserved communities. As a family nurse practitioner at Access Community Health Network, she provided essential well visits with an emphasis on health promotion and preventative care. Her work aimed to close healthcare gaps in vulnerable populations, ensuring that individuals received the care they needed to live healthier lives.
Amanda’s previous experience at the prestigious Mayo Clinic saw her take on multiple roles, including clinical coach, preceptor for new nurses, and curriculum developer for neurosurgery nurses. Her leadership as a charge nurse helped foster a culture of learning and professional growth, setting a high standard of care in the neurosurgery unit.
Founding Sanitas Health Education: Empowering the Next Generation
Driven by her passion for education and health equity, Amanda founded Sanitas Health Education, a program designed to serve South City Prep, an underserved school in St. Louis. Recognizing the importance of health education for young people, she developed and implemented a health education program for middle school students. Through Sanitas, Amanda also organized a community health fair, providing valuable health resources and education to the broader community.
Amanda’s dedication to serving those in need was further recognized when she was selected as a National Health Service Corps scholar, working in areas facing critical shortages of healthcare professionals. Her work as a primary care provider in these underserved communities helped bridge the gap in healthcare access and improve health outcomes for many.
Combining Teaching and Practice: A Model Educator at DePaul University
In her current role as a Clinical Assistant Professor at DePaul University, Amanda continues to make a difference in both education and practice. She serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Community-Based Service Learning program, where she oversees the placement of hundreds of nursing students in local community organizations. This program not only enriches the students’ learning experiences but also provides essential healthcare services to the community.
Amanda embodies the teacher-practitioner model, continuing her work as a family nurse practitioner at Medigence while bringing her real-world clinical experiences into the classroom. Her ability to blend academic knowledge with practical application makes her a beloved mentor and role model for her students. As Secretary for DePaul’s Sigma Theta Tau chapter, she has also led various volunteer initiatives, including walks for multiple sclerosis and breast cancer, demonstrating her commitment to both community service and nursing leadership.
Leading with Love and Compassion
Amanda’s approach to nursing and teaching is driven by kindness and compassion. Her work is guided by the principles of St. Vincent DePaul, always asking, “What must be done?” when faced with injustice or healthcare inequity. Amanda’s leadership and dedication to making the world a better place through healthcare have a profound impact on her students, inspiring them to follow in her footsteps and strive for excellence in their own nursing careers.
Amanda Dirnberger: A Leader in Nursing Education
Amanda Dirnberger’s dedication to healthcare equity, her innovative health education initiatives, and her commitment to shaping the future of nursing make her a standout nominee for the 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Her unwavering focus on serving others and her passion for nursing education are a testament to her character and leadership in the field of nursing.
Congratulations to Amanda Dirnberger and DePaul University for this prestigious honor! The Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Award for Emerging Nurse Leaders is proven to open career doors for its recipients. INF is proud to celebrate nurses like Amanda who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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