Extensively experienced and passionate about her profession, Amanda H. Dupuis, RN, MSN, MBA, CPN, is the director of nursing at Cary Hospital, WakeMed Health & Hospitals, in Stokesvale, North Carolina, where, since 2022, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in pediatric cardiology, pediatric intensive care units, and the professional development of staff members. Prior to her current role, at WakeMed she was a nursing manager, a position that refined her leadership skills by strengthening her ability to lead large teams effectively. Her earlier tenure as an assistant nurse manager at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center for nearly two decades provided a necessary foundation for her career.
Ms. Dupuis laid a strong academic foundation, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2001. She advanced her education by completing a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2020. She is also a certified pediatric nurse, underscoring her specialized expertise in the field.
Ms. Dupuis credits her commitment to maintaining clinical expertise as a bedside nurse as a cornerstone of her success. She firmly believes that effective leadership is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of patient care. Her dedication to advancing the nursing profession is exemplified through her active involvement with the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses.
In reflection, Ms. Dupuis is proud to have undergone a profound transformation in confidence and assertiveness throughout her 23-year nursing career. Beginning as a reserved 22-year-old, she initially struggled to find her voice, but over time, she has grown into a strong advocate for her patients, herself, and the nursing profession. In her current position at Cary Hospital, she faces challenges head-on, often encouraging evidence-based solutions when colleagues express doubt, demonstrating her proactive approach to driving meaningful change. Today, Ms. Dupuis embraces her expertise and instincts with confidence.
Additionally, Ms. Dupuis reached a significant milestone in 2019 by successfully spearheading the establishment of a birth center at Wake Forest University while concurrently overseeing the construction of a new electronic medical administration system for the intensive care unit. This complex undertaking involved managing 80 distinct workstreams and stands as one of her most challenging career experiences. Additionally, she led a team of 300 nurses through this transformation, further honing her leadership and communication skills.
When advising individuals who aspire to enter the field, Ms. Dupuis highlights the critical importance of continuous learning in the nursing profession. She tells new nurses to recognize that their education does not end with graduation. She also encourages younger professionals to take ownership of their education and professional growth by actively seeking out new information, staying informed on evidence-based practices, and delving deeply into their specialty areas, whether in labor and delivery, the intensive care unit, or other fields. With the health care landscape evolving rapidly, she emphasizes that nurses must not rely solely on their employers for knowledge updates but instead commit to personal growth and adaptability to succeed in this ever-changing environment.
Moving forward, Ms. Dupuis expects to continue contributing to the expansion of services at WakeMed Health & Hospitals while remaining in her current role. Her dedication to enhancing health care delivery on campus reflects her ongoing commitment to improving patient outcomes and supporting the growth of the organization. Away from work, Ms. Dupuis is devoted to her family, including her four children. She enjoys visiting the beach and engaging in outdoor activities, which provide balance and fulfillment beyond her demanding career.