JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
In our continuing celebration of National Nurses Week, we’d like to Spotlight Maj. Amy Svanberg, a registered nurse who has worked in the 779th Medical Group gastroenterology clinic for the past year.
On a typical day, Svanberg prepares, sedates or recovers four patients scheduled for procedures and makes the related pre and post-operative procedure calls. After procedures are completed, she also manages the 779 MDG infection control program and ensures staff are up to date on training.
Svanberg stated that she grew up as an “Army Brat.” She went to 13 different schools before graduating from high school in Seoul, Korea.
“I claim Florida as home because that’s where my grandparents lived and where my parents are currently living,” said Svanberg. “I hope to retire to the Daytona Beach area someday. Seeing the ocean always reminds me of home.”
After graduating from Florida State University’s nursing school, Svanberg worked as an emergency room/trauma nurse in Tallahassee, Fla. Upon gaining experience, she felt a strong desire to serve her country and joined the Air Force in July 2006.
“I was always proud to see my father in uniform, and wanted to join the military to serve my country,” said Svanberg. “I considered the Army but the Air Force won be over. I don’t think there is any more honorable service than taking care of the men and women that keep this country free.”
When asked what she enjoys most about being a nurse in the Air Force, Svanberg stated she loves working with other staff members who are as passionate about taking care of military heroes as she is. She particularly likes working with junior nurses and technicians, and said that teaching and watching staff grow and learn is one of her favorite aspects of the job.
She takes her approach to patient care and customer service based on advice she learned from her mother: “try not to be anyone’s headache and people reflect what they see”.
“This means you strive to be the best part of someone’s day and not cause anyone undue stress or create problems,” Said Svanberg. “People tend to reflect what they see. If you are smiling, they will smile back. People also respond better if you’re nice; treat others how you want to be treated.”
Svanberg is inspired by her parents and how they dedicated their lives to serving their country, by the people she leads, and by those who came before her and laid the framework for military nursing.
“I really love putting on my uniform and serving my country. The military has a lot to offer and I am so proud to serve,” said Svanberg. “If you are thinking about joining the Air Force Nurse Corps and have questions, I would be happy to chat with you!”