When Patryk Wlodarczyk first came to the University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing, he had no healthcare experience. But he knew he was in the right place on his way to becoming a nurse.
“The college does an incredible job of preparing students not only with clinical knowledge and technical skills, but also with the empathy and resilience necessary to care for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” he says.
Now two years later, he’s a few months away from starting his nursing career in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU) at UCHealth.
“That journey reminds me that growth happens when you lean into challenges, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who believe in you,” he says. “The most meaningful part of nursing isn’t just mastering clinical skills; it’s being present for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”
Two Years of Growth
Wlodarczyk, who is from Poland (most of his family still lives there), says his first semester at CU Anschutz Nursing was “transformative”, where he learned foundational skills and spent time in a clinical setting for the first time.
“The kind of nurse we become is shaped not only by knowledge, but by empathy, resilience, and the ability to show up for others when it matters most.”
“I realized I was capable of providing meaningful care to patients, and that was both humbling and empowering,” he says. “That moment when nursing stops becoming something you study and becomes something you actually do is incredibly powerful.”
What’s shaped his nursing journey so far is the support from faculty and his role as a student leader. He was a member of the CU Anschutz Nursing Student Council, a peer tutor, and a volunteer at the DAWN Clinic in Aurora. And, he was honored with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Student Nurses after receiving a college record of 13 nominations.
Wlodarczyk has become the person others turn to first for guidance. Serving in these roles allowed him to advocate for his classmates, contribute to positive changes within the college, and help foster a stronger sense of community.
“All of those things made my experience here feel larger than just earning a degree,” he says. “What truly defines my experience at CU Anschutz is the collective spirit of collaboration, mentorship, and support that exists within this program.”
What’s Next
Wlodarczyk will start his job at UCHealth in August to gain bedside nursing experience. He eventually wants to return to the college to become a nurse practitioner, focusing on Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and care for complex and critically ill patients.
“Continuing my education not only about career advancement but also about continually challenging myself, elevating the level of care I can provide, and contributing meaningfully to the evolving field of healthcare,” he says.
