Amber Cook, DNP, ACHPN

I’m Amber Cook, DNP, ACHPN, and I joined Phelps Health as a board-certified family nurse practitioner and advanced certified hospice and palliative nurse in March 2024. I offer supportive (also known as palliative) care to patients with serious and complex medical conditions. My collaborating physician is Internal Medicine Physician John Armstrong, DO.

I consider myself to be an added layer of support to a patient’s care team. I guide patients through advance care planning documents, including advance directives. This process helps them determine future medical care and who will speak for them, if needed. Planning also can help appoint who you want to be involved in your care. Examples of advance directives include living wills and durable power of attorney for healthcare (DPOAH) documents. A patient’s family and support system are always welcome to join in on these decisions.

I also have goals of care discussions with patients. These discussions promote shared decision making, ensuring that the provided medical care aligns with the patient’s values and preferences. Supportive care is a team effort and may involve Phelps Health chaplains and care managers.

From a young age, I knew that I would follow in my mother’s footsteps and pursue nursing. I grew up in a small town (population: 72) in southwest Georgia. Healthcare resources were limited in our rural area, not surprisingly. People struggling with serious illnesses didn’t have many advocates. Advance care planning conversations typically didn’t take place. Seeing these limitations firsthand encouraged me to become a voice for those who need it most.

I often say that supportive care found me. This specialty represents the type of provider I’ve always wanted to be. I chose to practice at Phelps Health to offer palliative services to patients in what is now my own community (Rolla).

As a provider, I first assess my patient’s goals for healthcare. Then, I structure an individualized treatment plan accordingly. I also have the benefit of time in my specialty. I may spend up to 2 hours meeting with patients and their families.

My family includes my fiancé, my two children and three dogs, Luna, Fred and Blue.