From Compassion to Action: Amber Francoeur’s Commitment to Prevention and Care

As a young teenager, Amber Francoeur, APRN spent a lot of time surrounded by many caring nurses after her mother experienced an unfortunate accident. This experience made her realize she wanted to be a nurse when she grew up, but it was her grandmother who inspired her on her journey to become a colon and rectal surgery and oncology nurse.  

A personal connection to colon cancer prevention 

Amber recalls her grandmother being very modest and never wanting to get a colonoscopy, a decision that tragically led to a diagnosis of stage IV colon cancer. From this experience, Amber learned that life could change in a moment and solidified her commitment to promoting preventive care. She dedicated herself to educating others about the importance of colonoscopy screenings, driven by the fact that early detection can save lives. 

Advocating for colonoscopy screenings  

Through her experience with her grandmother, Amber has become an advocate for everyone to get screened, including her patients and colleagues. She fondly recalls not long ago encouraging a hesitant colleague to undergo a colonoscopy, which ultimately detected pre-cancerous polyps, reinforcing the impact of timely screenings. 

Advocating for these screenings, especially when they turn out to be beneficial for the patient, is one of the most rewarding parts of nursing for Amber.  

Advice to future nurses  

The field of healthcare is ever changing and is becoming much more nurse-driven. Amber says, “I am able to affect and change the care I give patients through evidence-based care.” Amber wants to encourage the next generation of nurses. She tells future nurses, “Nursing is challenging, but very rewarding.” 

Through her experience as a nurse, Amber has learned that you never know what someone else is going through and offers this advice to aspiring nurses:  

• Embrace compassion and empathy 

• Uphold integrity and accountability 

• Prioritize self-care 

• Stay organized and think critically 

• Ask for help when needed 

• Most importantly, “Make sure your heart is in it.” 

A community at Southern New Hampshire Health 

As a southern New Hampshire local, Amber has always wanted to work in her community, but Southern NH Health is much more than a workplace, “We are a family,” says Amber. On hard days, Amber can rely on her colleagues to be there to support her and help where they can.  

Amber says she hopes one day she will be remembered by the Southern New Hampshire Health as someone who had great passion for their work and was an advocate for their patients and colleagues. 

Learn more about nursing opportunities at SNHH: Careers | Southern NH Health.