April 2026 Honoree
Javier Ortiz, BSN, RN, CCRN
Dear Javier,
It will be two weeks since my dad was discharged from the hospital.
Words cannot describe how I felt the morning when I arrived at the ICU. I was terrified, and the thought of losing my dad was unbearable. Everything was moving both fast and so slow at the same time; it was beyond overwhelming.
We spent 11 long days and nights in the hospital, five of those in the ICU. The care all the doctors and nurses provided was priceless, but how you made my dad and me feel was truly immeasurable.
You were right there at bedside with me during the first two days, at one of the most vulnerable and fragile times of my life. Somehow, I felt completely safe with a stranger. I trusted that my dad was in good hands and that you would not let anything happen to him.
When my dad had the balloon removed that Friday and began coming out of sedation, it was such a critical moment. Not knowing what to expect or how he would respond was gut-wrenching.
I will never forget you calling out his name with such urgency and care. It hit me deeply. At times, we even closed the door so you could call to him louder. Even now, thinking about it fills me with emotion. You made a lasting impact on our hearts.
When your shift ended that Friday, I was so sad. You mentioned you would not be back until Tuesday, and I was praying we would be out of the ICU by then. Then Sunday came, and you picked up a shift and were assigned to my dad again. It meant everything to us.
That night was the first time my dad truly heard me and responded on command, and in that moment, I knew in my heart that everything from that point forward was going to be okay. I will never forget it. I went home that night thanking God from the bottom of my soul for bringing my dad back to me.
Monday was difficult. My dad did not pass his respiratory test, and we could not remove the breathing tube yet. We were hopeful but had to wait another day.
Tuesday was a turning point. Even though you were not assigned to us, you came by to check on us first thing and throughout the day. That meant more than you know. When my dad finally passed his respiratory test and the tube was removed, you shared our joy. And when I introduced you to him, and he responded, your expression said everything we were feeling but could not put into words.
When you shared that you have a daughter and another baby girl on the way, I remember thinking how lucky they are to have you as their dad.
Watching how you interact with your colleagues, with respect, humor, and genuine care, says everything about your character. Your team is lucky to have you, too.
I spent over 220 hours at the hospital. From day one, you encouraged me to come prepared with questions and to advocate for my dad, and I did. I must have asked over 100 questions. I was present for every shift change, and once we left the ICU, I stayed overnight.
I truly could not have asked for a better advocate and partner during the most critical time in my dad’s life.
On the morning of April 20, you should have seen him. He was ready to go home, fully dressed with his hat on, still connected to an IV. That’s who my dad is - strong, determined, and getting better every day.
When I was given the opportunity to write about my experience in the ICU, I knew I had to share my gratitude. While every nurse was wonderful, you are the one who changed our lives.
Thank you for everything, and for all of your wonderful hugs.
With deep gratitude,
- The patient's family
It will be two weeks since my dad was discharged from the hospital.
Words cannot describe how I felt the morning when I arrived at the ICU. I was terrified, and the thought of losing my dad was unbearable. Everything was moving both fast and so slow at the same time; it was beyond overwhelming.
We spent 11 long days and nights in the hospital, five of those in the ICU. The care all the doctors and nurses provided was priceless, but how you made my dad and me feel was truly immeasurable.
You were right there at bedside with me during the first two days, at one of the most vulnerable and fragile times of my life. Somehow, I felt completely safe with a stranger. I trusted that my dad was in good hands and that you would not let anything happen to him.
When my dad had the balloon removed that Friday and began coming out of sedation, it was such a critical moment. Not knowing what to expect or how he would respond was gut-wrenching.
I will never forget you calling out his name with such urgency and care. It hit me deeply. At times, we even closed the door so you could call to him louder. Even now, thinking about it fills me with emotion. You made a lasting impact on our hearts.
When your shift ended that Friday, I was so sad. You mentioned you would not be back until Tuesday, and I was praying we would be out of the ICU by then. Then Sunday came, and you picked up a shift and were assigned to my dad again. It meant everything to us.
That night was the first time my dad truly heard me and responded on command, and in that moment, I knew in my heart that everything from that point forward was going to be okay. I will never forget it. I went home that night thanking God from the bottom of my soul for bringing my dad back to me.
Monday was difficult. My dad did not pass his respiratory test, and we could not remove the breathing tube yet. We were hopeful but had to wait another day.
Tuesday was a turning point. Even though you were not assigned to us, you came by to check on us first thing and throughout the day. That meant more than you know. When my dad finally passed his respiratory test and the tube was removed, you shared our joy. And when I introduced you to him, and he responded, your expression said everything we were feeling but could not put into words.
When you shared that you have a daughter and another baby girl on the way, I remember thinking how lucky they are to have you as their dad.
Watching how you interact with your colleagues, with respect, humor, and genuine care, says everything about your character. Your team is lucky to have you, too.
I spent over 220 hours at the hospital. From day one, you encouraged me to come prepared with questions and to advocate for my dad, and I did. I must have asked over 100 questions. I was present for every shift change, and once we left the ICU, I stayed overnight.
I truly could not have asked for a better advocate and partner during the most critical time in my dad’s life.
On the morning of April 20, you should have seen him. He was ready to go home, fully dressed with his hat on, still connected to an IV. That’s who my dad is - strong, determined, and getting better every day.
When I was given the opportunity to write about my experience in the ICU, I knew I had to share my gratitude. While every nurse was wonderful, you are the one who changed our lives.
Thank you for everything, and for all of your wonderful hugs.
With deep gratitude,
- The patient's family
Thank you, Javier, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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