Petr Ruda
Post-MS to DNP Clinician Track, DNP
Born and raised in the Czech Republic. I graduated from the Local Business and Law Academy. Worked as an accountant for 4 years. Move to San Diego California for 2 years doing my mission (humanitarian service), started BYU College of Nursing after graduation worked at the VA Medical ICU for 5 years, Did my master degree as a Family Nurse practitioner at BYU, left the VA, worked and I am still working at the Urgent Care in Lindon. 3 years ago started my teaching job at the BYU College of Nursing. Last August started the MS-DNP program. One wife, one cute puppy (Maltipoo).
I honestly didn't know what to study in the US at first. So I tried a few courses. My good friend Jared Johnson (now DNP) told me to try nursing. So I took an introduction to the nursing course, took other science classes and I liked it. Nobody from my family graduated from college. I am just joking with them that I have been in school for so long to do all the work they missed. haha
What drives your passion for nursing? I love to make a difference in the lives of my patients and my students. I am my patient's and student's biggest fan and a cheerleader. It is not fun or exciting to be sick or go through the hard school program at all but if I can relieve their discomfort that makes me super happy and super motivated.
How do you see the future of nursing as far as diversity? I see more diversity already. Super excited about it. Yes, it can always be better but I already see a lot of improvements. I also feel that I have to do my portion and invite others to be part of the nursing. There is a great need for diverse providers and nurses. On a personal note, I feel that my diverse background helps me to reach out to others with a diverse background. At the clinic, I see a lot of diverse patients. Even though I don't speak their language (I speak German, Russian, Czech, Slovak, and English) I feel like I have a connection with them through similar "life" lessons. Nursing has great potential and needs more nurses with a diverse background. Diversity is a key to success. It provides an innovative environment where learning and teaching take place and all participants feel safe and acknowledged for their unique background.
View our previous Student Spotlights.
Contact Us
For further information, contact:
Ana Sanchez-Birkhead, PhD, WHNP-BC, APRN
Diversity and Inclusion Chair
Ana.Sanchez-birkhead@nurs.utah.edu
Melanie Hall
Student Success Advocate
studentsuccessadvocate@utah.edu