INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Ryan Lewandowski

For Ryan Lewandowski, nursing has always been more than a profession it’s a calling he grew up witnessing at home. The son of two nurses, Ryan grew up surrounded by the realities of healthcare: the long shifts, the challenges, and the unwavering dedication to serving others. “While I once thought it cliché, I now say without hesitation: nursing is my calling,” Ryan shares. “Doing what I love every day, I often feel like I haven’t worked a day in my life.”

From Volunteer to CRNA and Leader

Ryan’s career has been built within Endeavor Health (formerly NorthShore University HealthSystem), where he began as a volunteer in the PACU and steadily progressed through clinical and leadership roles in medical-surgical and intensive care units. The fast paced, high acuity environment of acute care ultimately led him to pursue nurse anesthesia. Now entering his fifth year as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Ryan has built a career that continues to challenge and expand his expertise while fueling his passion for leadership and mentorship.

Shaping the Future of Nursing and Advanced Practice

Beyond his clinical role, Ryan serves as CRNA Manager at Evanston Hospital and Assistant Program Director at Endeavor Health’s School of Nurse Anesthesia. These positions allow him to influence organizational change and mentor the next generation of nursing and advanced practice leaders. His leadership journey also includes serving as a former CRNA representative on the ISAPN board and pursuing his MBA in Healthcare Management, underscoring his dedication to advancing both clinical excellence and leadership within the profession.

A Lifelong Commitment to the Nursing Community

Ryan credits his success to the community of nurses and healthcare professionals who mentored and supported him along his path. Today, he is committed to paying that mentorship forward, ensuring nursing remains not just a career but a fulfilling calling for all who pursue it. “Follow your passions and you’ll never be led astray,” Ryan says.

The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly recognizes Ryan Lewandowski as a 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for his dedication to clinical excellence, mentorship, and shaping the future of nursing leadership.

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