Ryan Lewandowski: Building a Career in Nursing

Ryan Lewandowski’s career in healthcare began with a practical decision. He chose Oakton College because it was close to home, affordable and offered the nursing program he was looking for. More than a decade later, that decision has led to a career in patient care, leadership and education.

Today, Ryan serves as the certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) manager at Endeavor Health's Evanston Hospital and assistant program director at the Endeavor Health School of Nurse Anesthesia. Looking back, Ryan says earning his nursing degree at Oakton "started it all."

Inspired by Example

Growing up, healthcare was part of everyday life for Ryan. His mother worked in public health, helping support communities across Cook County, while his father spent more than three decades as a dialysis nurse. Around the dinner table, conversations often centered on patient care, and visits to the hospital with his father sparked an early fascination with health care.

"I just love hospitals," Ryan said. "Hospital systems are just so impressive. Everyone has a role, and it's just awesome to see it come to life." 

Inspired by his parents' careers, Ryan saw nursing as a profession where he could make a meaningful difference while building a career with many opportunities. "They were the biggest reason why I went into nursing," he said. "You really build a strong relationship with patients."

A Strong Foundation

When Ryan initially chose Oakton, he didn't realize how much the college would shape the course of his career. "The price was right. It was close," Ryan said. "But what I appreciated after attending Oakton was the community—the culture of supporting students. Everyone is there for the same goal: furthering your education and helping the local community."

He said Oakton's rigorous nursing program gave him the knowledge and confidence to begin his career while showing him the many opportunities a nursing degree could provide. He credits the faculty, hands-on learning and clinical experiences with shaping his approach to patient care and reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning.

Looking back, Ryan says earning his associate degree in nursing remains one of his proudest accomplishments. "That first degree started it all," he said.

Caring for Community

One of Ryan's clinical experiences as an Oakton nursing student left a lasting impression. During a hospital rotation, he spent time talking with a patient receiving hospice care who had no family by their side. When he returned the following day, he learned the patient had passed away.

The experience taught him a lesson that has stayed with him throughout his career. “Nursing, at its core, is about making a meaningful connection with patients,” Ryan said. “It’s truly holistic.”

Today, Ryan works as a CRNA in the same community where he grew up. Seeing neighbors, friends and familiar faces among his patients makes the work especially meaningful. "The beauty is that now I work in the community that I live and grew up in," he said. "It's very cool to train, work and support my community."

Leading by Example

Ryan practices at Endeavor Health's Evanston Hospital while also helping prepare future nurse anesthetists as assistant program director at the Endeavor Health School of Nurse Anesthesia. Since attending Oakton, Ryan has continued his education, completing his bachelor's and doctoral degrees and now pursuing an MBA."The world is your oyster," he said. "That degree is really meant to set the foundation of nursing practice. After that, there are so many pathways you can take."

Ryan encourages future nurses to stay curious and embrace every opportunity the profession offers. Looking back, he says caring for patients and helping educate the next generation of nurses has made every step worthwhile. 

"I feel like I haven't worked a day in my life," he said. "Nursing is going to change every bit about you."