07 Sep 2025 Amanda Irby: A journey in nursing leadership
“The patient always comes first— top priority forever and always,” said Amanda Irby, Conway Area Healthcare Forum’s Administrator of the Year. “We want staff who are here for the right reasons and who work well together.”
While only in her second year as Conway Regional Health System’s chief nursing officer, Irby was an easy choice for Administrator of the Year. A nurse with 26 years of experience, mostly working in critical care and the Emergency Room, Irby understands the toughness and compassion that are required to be the person in charge during highly stressful, life-threatening situations.
She has managed some of Faulkner County’s most challenging times. “I know how to do emergencies,” Irby said.
Whether overseeing the care of more than 100 injured patients in the ER after the devastating tornado of 2014 or coping with the unthinkable when the COVID-19 virus overran the community, Irby has stood firm.
As CNO, she oversees approximately 800 nursing and non-nursing staff, collaborating closely with 18 directors, managers and supervisors. She emphasizes a team-based approach to problem-solving, such as working together to reduce patient falls or manage operational expenses. While administrative duties now occupy much of her time, Irby maintains close communication with clinical leadership to work to stay connected to frontline nursing.
“On days that I am not able to visit the nursing units, I have conversations with the nursing leaders to stay updated on the status of each department,” she said. “I try very hard to remember what it’s like to be that nurse when every room is full and nobody’s had lunch yet and the ambulances and admits keep coming and we are two nurses short.”
Irby’s philosophy centers on resilience, compassion and adaptability. She believes that effective nurses must balance grit with empathy, set healthy boundaries and remain flexible in the face of constantly changing conditions. Self-care is crucial as staff well-being directly impacts patient outcomes. She prioritizes both patient safety and staff engagement, striving to cultivate a supportive, mission-driven culture.
Challenging Times
Reflecting on her career, Irby finds the greatest satisfaction in knowing she has positively impacted patients and colleagues, whether through direct care or mentorship. The gratitude expressed by patients and witnessing professional growth among staff are particularly rewarding aspects of her journey.
Irby’s most memorable moments include responding to crises such as the 2014 tornado that devastated Mayflower and Vilonia. That day brought unprecedented challenges, with more than 100 patients arriving within hours and the hospital improvising overflow areas to provide care. Despite immense adversity, she regards this event as a defining point in her career, both the most difficult and most inspiring day.
“There was just so much trauma; families were in despair with children and other loved ones missing,” Irby said. “At one point, we had a couple in the ER with one not knowing the other one was alive. It was heartbreaking.” On the other hand, “there is nothing like watching all the clinical staff and the non-clinical staff come together in a situation like that,” she said.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented further challenges, requiring Irby and her team to navigate evolving protocols, emotional strain and increased responsibilities for isolated patients. “Not only were you their ICU nurse, but you were a surrogate family holding an iPad so their families could talk to them as they passed away,” she said.
This period led to staff turnover, highlighting the ongoing need for resilience and adaptability in healthcare.
Irby’s commitment to nursing extends beyond her own practice; she is deeply invested in developing future leaders, fostering teamwork and ensuring the highest quality of patient care. Her professional journey is characterized by a lifelong commitment to learning, adaptability and an unwavering focus on patient-centered care.
Outside of work, she values family and travel. “Travel feeds my soul,” said Irby. A quick glance around her office at Conway Regional also reveals that all destinations are not equal. “I do love the beach. It’s the one place I truly relax when I get my toes in the sand and listen to the waves.”
Married to fellow nurse Joe Irby for 24 years and a mother of four, she enjoys exploring new places and gaining fresh perspectives. Her personal experiences, including supporting her husband through a cardiac event, have reinforced the importance of compassionate, responsive care — values she continues to champion in her leadership.
As she looks to the future, her goal is to leave a legacy defined by integrity, compassion and an enduring commitment to “the patient always comes first.”
