40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award Winner Highlight: Anne Kowalczyk

Anne Kowalczyk, a dynamic nurse advocate leader for patients and veterans. Anne is a nurse at DePaul University and holds the title of Clinical Assistant. She has been nominated for the 2023 Illinois Nurses foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Designed to highlight young nurses that are making a lasting difference in the healthcare industry, this award celebrates those who shape the future of nursing. 

Anne Kowalczyk: A Nurse Leader Advocating for Patients and Veterans

Exceptional individuals who go above and beyond their call of duty are a necessity for the nursing industry. Anne Kowalczyk, an exemplary nurse, educator, and clinical practitioner, is one such remarkable individual. Through her research, advocacy, and patient care, Anne has emerged as a young nursing leader, making a profound impact on the lives of her patients and the nursing community as a whole. 

Research and Dedication to ADHD:

Anne’s passion for her work is evident through her commitment to researching and addressing the challenges faced by pediatric patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Inspired by her son’s own experience with ADHD, Anne focused her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) research on identifying barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment for ADHD in pediatric primary care settings. Partnering with an industry leader, she conducted extensive research and presented her findings at an international nursing event in Scotland, highlighting the importance of early intervention and access to care for children with ADHD.

Advocacy in Nurse Education:

As an educator at the DePaul School of Nursing, Anne imparts her knowledge and instills a sense of advocacy in her students. By incorporating projects focused on the veteran population, she has successfully connected her students with important legislative causes and veteran research. Anne’s dedication to advocacy goes beyond the classroom, encouraging her students to engage in discussions, write letters to legislators, and make presentations on relevant topics. By empowering her students to be advocates, she is shaping the future of nursing and instilling a strong sense of social responsibility.

Compassionate Patient Care:

Anne’s unwavering commitment to her patients is evident through her personal experiences and interactions with those under her care. Having been there at the bedside during a suicide attempt, she witnessed firsthand the inadequacies in veteran mental healthcare. This personal encounter has fueled her determination to be an outspoken advocate for improved care for veterans and individuals facing mental health challenges. Anne’s empathy and compassion shine through as she ensures that her patients’ questions are answered and their needs are advocated for, particularly in long-term care facilities where many of her patients reside.

Fundraising for Veterans:

Driven by her firsthand experiences with veterans’ healthcare challenges, Anne has taken her advocacy a step further by actively fundraising for SALUTE, an organization that provides financial support to veterans seeking mental health treatment. By participating in the Chicago Marathon and dedicating her run to this cause, Anne is actively contributing to the well-being of veterans, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health conditions in this deserving population.

Anne Kowalczyk: Compassionate Advocate for Patient Care

Anne’s impact as a nursing leader under the age of 40 cannot be overstated. Through her dedication to research, advocacy in nurse education, compassionate patient care, and fundraising efforts for veterans, she has become an exemplary role model in the field of nursing. Anne’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and her tireless efforts as an advocate for vulnerable populations set her apart as a true leader in the nursing profession. As patients, we can only hope to have a provider like Anne by our side, ensuring that our needs are met with empathy, compassion, and unwavering advocacy.

Congratulations to Anne Kowalczyk and DePaul University for this prestigious honor! The Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Award for Emerging Nurse Leaders is proven to open career doors for its recipients. INF is proud to celebrate nurses like Anne who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry. 

For more information on the INF 40 Under 40 Award Ceremony, click this link.

Illinois Nurses Foundation: Support Education, Advocation, and Recognition for Nurses

The Illinois Nurses Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports nurses through various programs, empowering them, promoting excellence, and advancing the nursing profession while also recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of young nurses through the INF 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award, highlighting their talent and potential for the field’s growth and evolution. Donate to INF today and you can help empower nurses and improve healthcare!