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Name: Damon Toczylowski, DNP (’23), ACNPC, CCNS, CNE
Current job: Cardiology Nurse Practitioner at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA, Clinical Faculty AG-ACNP program, Assistant Instructor VMHC program
Current residence: Commerce City, CO
Q: What inspired you to become a nurse?
A: I come from a family rich with nurses, so from a young age I was inspired to follow in their footsteps. I enlisted in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and, after a few years of service, was honored to be selected for a program allowing me to earn a nursing degree from Marquette University and become an RN in the Navy.
During my time as an RN and NP in both the VA and the Military (Navy/US Air Force), I have been honored to care for our nation’s heroes and their family members. Nursing really allowed me to utilize the caring and nurturing skills I learned from an early age from my family members.
Q: Why did you choose to attend CU Nursing?
A: Following 20 years of military service, I was seeking a doctoral degree to capitalize on the lessons learned while on active duty. I discovered the CU Nursing’s VMHC program had a newly created DNP program and was eager to enroll. It was an absolute honor and privilege to be a member of the first cohort of DNP in the VMNC program created and guided by Dr. Mona Pearl Treyball.
Q: What was your favorite part(s) about attending CU Nursing?
A: I absolutely love the networking and professional growth I’ve encountered while at CU Anschutz as both a student and clinical faculty. I was honored as the Distinguished Graduate during the 2024 Alumni Association Awards, which is an exceptional honor.
Q: How did CU Nursing equip you with the knowledge to become an advanced practice nurse?
A: The knowledge gained through the DNP program and mentorship from Dr. Pearl Treyball and Dr. Deb Kenny has really helped me to hone my nursing knowledge regarding Veteran health and communication, allowing me to become a MUCH more effective clinician for the veterans I am honored to care for.
Q: What is the most rewarding part about being a nurse?
A: The human connection I have with my fellow veterans. Knowing that I am giving back to a community of vulnerable patients who gave so much self-sacrifice in defense and protection of the freedom and democracy of our country, I have a sense of pride and fulfillment knowing they are receiving exceptional care from a fellow veteran who was trained at CU Anschutz College of Nursing.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to CU Nursing’s current nursing students (at any degree level)?
A: Ask questions, you don’t know what you don’t know! A wise mentor gave me this piece of information when I was a brand-new ACNP: find a mentor to ask questions of and continue to seek knowledge to better yourself so you can be the best version of yourself.
Q: Why did you want to join the CU Nursing Alumni Association Board? What are you looking forward to about being on the board?
A: To help continue the legacy of excellence in nursing for CU alumni nurses around the globe and to network with amazing clinicians, nurses, and humans.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like the CU Nursing community to know about yourself?
A: I’m proud to be called a CU BUFF!!!! My wife and father-in-law are also Buffs, and I hope my oldest will also follow in our footsteps. GO BUFFS!!!!!
The CU Nursing Alumni Association Board of Directors is the governing body of the college’s alumni community. The board honors alumni with its Alumni Association Awards every June and hosts other events throughout the year. The board also plays a crucial role in mentoring students and other alumni, as well as providing professional development opportunities.
