“I remember every single moment of every single day that I am taking care of my patients that those are people,” said Devon Garcia, a 2021 UCCS graduate and dedicated nurse practitioner. “Those are someone’s brother, sister, aunt, cousin, mom or dad… and I think, how would I want my mom treated? How would I want my brother or cousin treated? And that’s how I treat my patients.”
For Devon, nursing is more than a profession; it’s a core part of his identity. From being the first in his family to graduate from higher education with an associate degree to earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from UCCS, Devon’s journey reflects his commitment to compassionate, skilled care.
His experience at UCCS, encouraged by his friend and UCCS Nurse Practitioner graduate Mellis Shenkel, helped shape him into the practitioner he is today. Originally planning to pursue a degree in nursing education, Devon was inspired to join the MSN program after learning more about its offerings and potential impact.
Devon appreciated that UCCS’s MSN program provided the same quality of learning online as it would in a traditional in-person setting. The program’s structure allowed him to engage with material in a flexible environment while still gaining invaluable hands-on experience through in-person lab work.
“The lab work helped us get comfortable with assessments,” Devon explained. “It went beyond just learning from books. We were able to practice real-world skills before stepping into our roles.”
Today, Devon is not only a healthcare provider but also a clinical preceptor, mentoring students who are taking their first steps in nursing. He began taking students under his guidance just one year into his practice as a nurse practitioner. Devon values this role as an educator, as it allows him to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in healthcare.
“Sometimes I learn from my students,” he said. “They bring fresh insights from their coursework, which allows me to grow as a provider as well.”
A strong advocate for inclusive and culturally competent healthcare, Devon is passionate about providing care to diverse populations, including the LGBTQ+ community.
“I have friends who have faced shame or discrimination in healthcare settings. As providers, our job is to see people as they are and guide them to be their healthiest selves,” he explained. “The only thing that should matter is how we can help them become safe, healthy individuals.”
Committed to making a positive impact, Devon is currently developing a gender-diverse care education program for the Pikes Peak and Rocky Mountain regions. This initiative will enable providers to shadow experienced clinicians, equipping them with a deeper understanding of gender-diverse health needs.
“Healthcare is ever-evolving,” Devon emphasizeed. “Providers don’t have to practice this care, but they should know what it involves and why it’s essential.”
The educational program covers topics such as STI management and PrEP/HIV care, ensuring that clinicians understand the options available to their patients. Devon believes that this knowledge is critical, regardless of whether providers choose to specialize in this area.
“Each provider should work within their comfort zone, but having the knowledge is key,” he said.
As Devon reflects on his career, he’s already looking toward the future, considering both a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and leadership roles within his current practice. He envisions a career that balances clinical practice with mentorship, driven by his passion for educating and inspiring others in the field of nursing.
Devon credits his preceptors and clinical experiences for shaping his journey.
“My last preceptor put the puzzle pieces together for me,” he said. “Once I learned from her, I felt ready to step into my role and be the provider I wanted to be.”
Devon Garcia is a testament to the impact of compassionate, inclusive care and dedicated mentorship. As he continues to shape his future in healthcare, he remains a calming presence for his patients and a passionate advocate for his students, embodying the best of UCCS’s nursing legacy.