Amy Russell, FNP

Biography

A nurse practitioner dedicated to empowering patients

Amy Russell knows just how crucial it is for patients to get reliable information about their condition, so they get on the path to better health.

“I’m passionate about patient education,” Russell says. “All patients can be successful if given the right tools.”

She saw the need for better community health awareness after she started working with kidney patients more than two decades ago.

After entering the field as a dialysis technician, she became a nurse providing center-based and home dialysis care. Now she’s a nurse practitioner who’s part of the team of kidney care providers at VCU Health.

“I don’t think I chose this field. It chose me,” Russell says. “I saw a gap in patient education and awareness as well as an alarming gap in health literacy in our community. I was inspired to help patients.”

She treats people undergoing renal and pancreas transplants and the complications that can arise from those procedures. In addition to caring for patients with kidney disease, she also treats anemia, hypertension, urinary tract infections and other conditions.

She knows many of those she treats have had negative experiences with the healthcare field, and she’s dedicated to providing patient-centered care that allows each person she sees to have a voice and to make a connection their medical provider.

“I want my patients to know that I’m listening,” she says. “Many patients feel neglected or unheard by the medical system, and I hope to help them feel heard again.”

Advice to Patients

“Educate yourself. Listen to those who want to help you. Just because you read something on the Internet does not make it true. Have courage and patience with your healthcare providers. Give yourself grace and know that all things have trials and tribulations.”

Research Interests

Transplant, kidney disease, new medications