Edinburg ER nurse Javen Hinojosa among national HeroesFIRST finalists
Staff Report
Edinburg, TX – One of Edinburg’s own is in the running for a national honor spotlighting exceptional healthcare workers. Registered Nurse Javen Hinojosa, who works in the emergency department at South Texas Health System Edinburg, has been named a Top 20 finalist in the 2025 HeroesFIRST contest by ImageFIRST, joining healthcare professionals from around the nation being celebrated for elevating the patient experience.
Hinojosa, an Edinburg native and former paramedic, has practiced as an ER nurse for about five years. His nomination highlights not only his clinical skills but also his capacity to bring positivity, humor and comfort in tense moments.
“In my daily responsibilities at STHS Edinburg, I have had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary dedication of Javen Hinojosa … With his cheerful demeanor and remarkable sense of humor, Javen brings positivity to every interaction,” reads part of his nomination form. “Beyond his uplifting presence, Javen has demonstrated heroic skill, saving lives through his swift and decisive CPR interventions.”
He is the only nominee from South Texas in the HeroesFIRST field this year.
The HeroesFIRST campaign, run by ImageFIRST, a national healthcare linen and facility services provider, identifies frontline staff who go beyond their roles to transform patient experiences.
Following a nomination and judging process, 20 finalists were selected. Public voting is open now through Friday, Oct. 3, and the top eight vote-getters across designated regions will receive prizes totaling $16,500.
The contest page lists Hinojosa among the finalists, noting Edinburg Regional Medical Center as his associated facility.
Hinojosa’s care and reputation have been recognized before. The DAISY Foundation, which honors extraordinary nurses, lists him as an honoree. A peer wrote of him: “Always on the move … he is on top of all his patients… Even when under the mask, he has a smile.”
At South Texas Health System, his nomination was submitted by a linen technician, acknowledging both his “positive attitude and compassion” as well as life-saving actions in critical situations.
Supporters are encouraged to cast their votes at the HeroesFIRST site (heroes.imagefirst.com), where each voter may cast one vote over the finalist voting period.
For Edinburg, Hinojosa’s place among top national finalists is a point of local pride — and a reminder that healthcare heroes often work quietly, making life-or-death decisions under pressure with both technical skill and human compassion.
How to vote for Javen Hinojosa
Public voting for the 2025 HeroesFIRST contest is now open through Friday, Oct. 3.
To support Edinburg ER nurse Javen Hinojosa, visit the contest site at heroes.imagefirst.com and select his profile from the list of finalists. Each person may cast one vote during the voting period.
The top eight vote-getters nationwide will be awarded prizes totaling $16,500.