Meet Amanda Savage

Dr. Amanda Savage, DNP, M.Ed., RN, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maine School of Nursing and a recognized nursing leader at both the state and national levels. She serves on the American Nurses Association Board of Directors and is the Immediate Past President of ANA-Maine, where she has been a strong advocate for nurses and healthcare innovation. With more than 18 years of clinical and leadership experience in critical care and hospital operations, Dr. Savage’s scholarship focuses on simulation, educational innovation, and supporting nurses in transition to practice, reflecting her deep commitment to advancing the profession and improving patient care.

What excites you about nursing?

What excites me about nursing is the privilege of being invited into people’s most vulnerable moments. There is something incredibly powerful about combining clinical knowledge with compassion and presence. I love that nursing allows us to think critically, advocate fiercely, and care deeply, sometimes all in the same shift.  Personally, I am most energized by watching nurses grow, especially students and early-career nurses, when they realize “I can do this.” That spark of confidence is everything. Nursing is challenging, complex, and constantly evolving, and that’s exactly what makes it meaningful. We truly change lives, including our own.

Why ANA-Maine?

ANA-Maine feels personal to me. It’s where advocacy meets action. It’s where nurses across Maine come together, bedside nurses, educators, leaders, and students, to protect our profession and strengthen patient care.  I believe nurses deserve a strong, unified voice at the policy table. ANA-Maine gives us that voice. It’s not just about meetings and legislation; it’s about mentorship, leadership development, and creating a professional home where nurses feel seen and valued. I am proud to be part of an organization that works hard behind the scenes to move nursing forward in our state.

What do you want members to know about you?

I want members to know that I genuinely care about building people up. I believe in mentorship, collaboration, and sometimes pushing each other (with love!) to think bigger. I am passionate about developing leaders and creating opportunities for nurses to realize their potential.  I also believe in joy. Nursing is serious work, but we are allowed to celebrate, laugh, and build community along the way.

On a personal level, my family is my foundation. They have watched the long days and nights, the leadership work, the board meetings, and now they get to see that hard work come full circle as I serve on the American Nurses Association Board of Directors. That matters to me. Being able to model perseverance, service, and leadership for the next generation, especially my own children and students, is one of my greatest honors.  I truly believe that if you believe in yourself, others will, too. I want every nurse, whether student or seasoned leader, to see what is possible and know there is a place for them at the table. I am always open to conversation, new ideas, and finding ways to make ANA-Maine stronger together.