Samantha Rhode, DNP

Practice philosophy: As a nurse practitioner, my philosophy of nursing is to provide individualized evidence-based, patient drive care to my patients. Acknowledging their unique situations, providing education to patients and their families, and render unconditionally compassionate, high-quality care to positively impact my patients and help improve their outcomes. I believe my success as a nurse practitioner requires me to accept accountability for being a strong advocate for my patients and their loved ones, as well as being a strong representative of advanced practice nursing.

What are you passionate about and why? I am passionate about empowering my patients with knowledge, so they can make an informed decision about their healthcare needs. I’m passionate about preventative health and providing options that best fit my patients needs.

If you weren't a health care provider, what would you be? A travel agent.

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? I became a nurse practitioner because I felt as a registered nurse that I wasn’t able to meet the needs of the patient as a whole. Being a provider gives me fulfillment in my career.

What is something you have learned from your patients? Be patient. Everyone has individual needs and may communicate these needs differently.

What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy? And why? This work can be intimate, heartbreaking, inspiring, fulfilling, and more. Guiding patient’s to health during the most difficult and vulnerable periods of their lives. But I wouldn’t trade it.

What is your personal health goal? Increase physical exercise, eating habits and emotional growth.

What is the best thing you've done for your health or the best health advice you've received? You don’t have to know everything. The brain is like a ping pong ball table. It can only hold so much. It’s important to know what ping pong balls to keep on the table before they start falling off.

What are you most proud of? I am most proud of being the first in my family with a college degree. On top of it I graduated as a single mother while working full-time.

What are a few of your personal achievements? Improved health promotion in women and increased the rates of mammograms women have completed for breast cancer screening.