Meet RN Julia Krizek: Urology nurse, advocate and community champion
For RN Julia Krizek, a career in urology nursing has grown from an early interest in the operating room into a commitment to supporting patients both in the clinic and in the community. At the Vancouver Prostate Centre, she cares for people receiving treatment for prostate and bladder cancer, supporting them through procedures, therapies and post-operative care.
Six years ago, Julia created Team Urine Good Hands and invited patients, family members and friends to take part in the Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer. As team captain, she has helped make it a leading fundraiser in Vancouver and across Canada. This year, Julia stepped up to co-lead the local event, helping plan and organize the Vancouver walk.
We spoke with Julia about her path into urology nursing, what patients have taught her about resilience, and why she remains committed to the bladder cancer community.
Can you tell us about your role as a urology nurse and how you support patients?
My role primarily involves caring for patients with prostate and bladder cancer. I provide immunotherapy, chemotherapy and study drugs for patients with bladder cancer, along with post-operative care and injections for patients with prostate cancer. I also work closely with surgeons, including Dr. Miles Mannas and Dr. Martin Gleave, during in-office transperineal prostate biopsies.
What inspired you to pursue a career in urology nursing?
My interest in urology nursing began when I worked in the operating room. I started in the OR in 2008 and quickly came to love the fast pace, interesting cases and variety of procedures. The surgeons and residents made the work fun, and some became friends and colleagues I continue to work with today. When the opportunity came up to work in the Urology Clinic at the Diamond Health Care Centre in fall 2020, I decided to make the move. I’ve been very happy with that career choice. It has been both a rewarding experience and a great learning opportunity.
How did you first become involved with the Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer, and how has your role evolved over the years?
I’ve been team captain for Urine Good Hands and participated in the walk for six years. I started the team in 2020 and invited friends, family members and patients to join. I believe we had about eight people on the team that first year.
This year, I was invited to co-lead the Vancouver walk and help plan and organize the event. Perhaps I didn’t fully realize what that would entail! It has been a lot of work, but it has also been very rewarding. Patients are grateful that we’re raising awareness and getting the word out about the walk. We’ve also launched the Vancouver Walks for Bladder Cancer Instagram account to connect with more people in the community.
Throughout your career, what have patients taught you about resilience?
Urologic conditions can challenge a person’s sense of privacy and dignity, while treatments and surgeries can significantly disrupt daily life. Patients are often deeply resilient, but they can also feel vulnerable and anxious as they search for answers. When they come to the clinic, they may feel as though they are leaving their dignity at the door. Above all, they want to be heard.
I’ve learned that open communication, clear information from the outset and honesty, combined with collaborative care, can help patients feel more confident in themselves and in the care they receive.
What would you want someone who has never participated in the Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer to know about the impact it has on patients and families?
The Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer is a national event that brings together survivors, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals and community members to raise money for patient support and research and to increase awareness of bladder cancer, the fifth most common cancer in Canada.
Now in its 16th year, the walk is organized by Bladder Cancer Canada, the country’s first and only patient advocacy organization dedicated to bladder cancer.
For patients and families, the walk is also an opportunity to connect with people who understand what they are going through and to experience the strength of the community supporting them.
The Vancouver Walks for Bladder Cancer takes place September 19, 2026. Learn more about the walk and how to participate at the Vancouver Walks for Bladder Cancer website. Donations in support of Team Urine Good Hands can be made through the team's fundraising page: Urine Good Hands - Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer, 2026.
