Faculty Spotlight: Amy Thompson, MSN, RN
Faculty Spotlight: Amy Thompson, MSN, RN
Our nursing faculty brings a wealth of experience and passion to the online classroom. We’re proud to feature Amy Thompson, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing Programs and RN-to-BSN Program Coordinator. With a career spanning pediatrics, acute care, leadership, and informatics, Amy shares her journey, her vision for nursing education, and the values that drive her commitment to empowering the next generation of nurses.
What brought you to UNH College of Professional Studies Online?
My nursing journey began in pediatrics, and then I moved into acute care, where I learned the foundation of compassionate, evidence-based practice. Over time, I found that my passion extended beyond bedside care. I was drawn to teaching and mentoring the next generation of nurses. I joined UNH College of Professional Studies because its mission aligns perfectly with my own values: providing flexible, high-quality education for nurses. I was also inspired by UNH’s commitment to innovation in nursing education and to supporting adult learners who balance work, family, and academic goals.
What is your background in nursing that informs your work with curriculum, student support, and workforce development?
I have been a registered nurse since 1999 and have worked across a variety of settings, including pediatrics, acute care, case management, leadership, and informatics. After completing my MSN in Nursing Informatics from Walden University, I began developing curricula that integrate technology, clinical reasoning, and leadership skills. My experience in both education and healthcare operations gives me a deep appreciation for how academic preparation directly impacts workforce readiness, patient outcomes, and health system innovation.
What do you value most about teaching nursing students?
What I value most is witnessing transformation. Many of our students are balancing full-time work and family responsibilities, yet they bring remarkable commitment and resilience. Helping them grow as professionals is incredibly rewarding.
What stands out to you about the students who choose this program?
Our students are purpose-driven and deeply compassionate. They come to UNH CPS because they want more than a degree. They want to make a difference in their communities and advance their profession. Many are the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree, and they model lifelong learning for their peers and children. Their dedication to patient care and continuous improvement makes teaching them both humbling and inspiring.
Why is nursing such a vital discipline in health care, especially today?
Nursing is at the center of every conversation about healthcare transformation. Nurses are often the first to identify gaps in care, the first to comfort families, and the first to advocate for safety and quality. In today’s environment, defined by workforce shortages, health inequities, and technological change, nurses are the bridge between innovation and care. They ensure that care remains human-centered, even as healthcare systems become increasingly complex.
What challenges do nurses face, and how does your program prepare students to meet those challenges?
Nurses face significant challenges, including staffing shortages, burnout, and rapid advances in technology. CPS students learn not only how to adapt to change but how to lead it. We help them build communication, advocacy, and analytical skills needed to thrive in diverse roles, from clinical practice to policy and education.
How is AI interwoven within a nurse’s day-to-day, or is it?
AI is increasingly embedded in nursing practice, often in ways that are subtle but powerful. From clinical decision-support tools and predictive analytics to documentation assistance and patient-monitoring systems, AI helps nurses synthesize data and prioritize care. However, it also introduces ethical and practical challenges, such as ensuring bias-free algorithms and maintaining human judgment in patient care. In our program, we incorporate discussions around AI literacy, data integrity, and the nurse’s role in shaping ethical technology use.
What course excites you most to teach and why?
I especially enjoy teaching courses focused on nursing leadership and informatics. These courses challenge students to think critically about how evidence, technology, and teamwork intersect to improve outcomes. It’s rewarding to see students recognize that leadership isn’t defined by title; it’s about influence, accountability, and advocacy at every level of nursing practice.
What is one message you hope your nursing students carry with them into their careers?
Never underestimate your impact. Every nurse, regardless of role or setting, has the power to shape healthcare for the better. I hope our graduates carry forward the confidence that their voice matters, their expertise saves lives, and their compassion transforms systems. Lifelong learning isn’t just a career strategy; it’s a professional responsibility and a privilege.