Nursing student thrives on military and academic challenges

ROTC photo of Elizabeth Adamczyk

Take the type-A personality—competitive, driven—and mix in some type-T traits—loves pursuing the unknown, intrepid. The combination offers a first glimpse into the character of Elizabeth Anne Adamczyk, a junior at the UW-Madison School of Nursing, an ROTC cadet and a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Airborne School—that’s right, she jumps out of planes.

“I have thrived on challenges, both mental and physical, since I can remember,” says Adamczyk. “Where it comes from, I can only guess.

Adamczyk’s long-term goal to join an airborne unit and to work as a field nurse is rooted in her plucky character, an intense admiration for the nation’s soldiers and a desire to help the injured or sick. She finds striking parallels between nursing and military service:

“The best nurses I know are selfless and committed to giving all they have to the treatment of their patients,” says Adamczyk. “American soldiers are no different. They give their time and … their lives, to defending those values that make this nation great. I cannot tell you how much pride I have in not only standing next to those soldiers but [in] having the opportunity to help as a nurse.”

E. Adamczyk biking in 2004 Wisconsin Ironman Triathlon

Adamczyk strives to surpass current personal bests in both her military training and in academic accomplishment. The Burlington, Wis., native recently received the Army Nurse Incentive-Pay Award—a cash award assigned to student nurses with a 3.24 grade point average or higher. She completed the 2004 Wisconsin Ironman Triathlon and was the only cadet to score the maximum points on the Army Physical Fitness Test at 6:00 a.m. the next day following the triathlon

This was “an amazing feat,” reports U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel John Bechtol. “Ms. Adamczyk is an intelligent team player with a great sense of humor and not afraid to take calculated risks.”

In Adamczyk’s opinion, the UW-Madison School of Nursing “is most distinguished by its outstanding staff and faculty.” Her experience as a student supports her goals to reach her full potential as a field nurse.

" I have yet to encounter instructors who did not give 110 percent,” she says. “And excellence prevails [beyond] the classroom as well. … staff members such as Becky Alexander, researchers like Barbara [St. Pierre] Schneider and, of course, the awe-inspiring guidance of Dean May.”

E. Adamczyk performing ROTC drills

In summer 2005, Adamczyk will head to Germany to spend several weeks doing clinical work at an Army medical facility. Unsurprisingly, she has her sights set on yet another challenge: joining the Army Triathlon Team.

“I give credit to the military,” says Adamczyk, “for allowing me to find out just how hard I can push myself.”