Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes the achievements of outstanding alumni with an awards celebration. In 2019, the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies is honoring John Stevens (D.N.P. ’12) with their Alumni Achievement Award.

From serving as a trauma nurse in the U.S. Army to his current role as CEO and clinical director of deNovo Health, a multi-discipline healthcare practice, John Stevens has held nearly every position in nursing. He recently took a moment to reflect on his career path.

You’ve started several successful businesses. Where does your entrepreneurial spirit stem from?

I am not a nurse that became an entrepreneur, I am an entrepreneur that just happens to be a nurse. I think entrepreneurship was intrinsic to my nature. People often think that a successful business is a straight line from point A to point B but it’s really a constant process of assessment, intervention and response.

Of all your nursing positions, which ones did you love? Which were challenging?

I honestly cannot think of a position or assignment that I did not like but the place where I felt most effective was my years spent in hospice. The dying process can be such a beautiful and peaceful time if all the chess pieces are in the right order.

What are your favorite books?

Getting Real, Ten Truth Skills You Need to Live an Authentic Life by Susan Campbell

Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche

What advice do you have for students who’d like to follow in your footsteps?

Be ready for school. Be in the right mental place and be prepared to make the sacrifices to accomplish the goal of education.

About the UMKC Alumni Awards

Stevens will be honored at the 2019 UMKC Alumni Awards on March 15. Proceeds from the event will support student scholarships. In the last decade, the Alumni Awards events have raised more than $1 million in scholarships and immediate aid for students.