Edinburg ER Nurse, STC Nursing Alum Earns National Recognition
Photo above: South Texas College alumnus and South Texas Health System Edinburg Emergency Room Nurse Javen Hinojosa has put “the 956” on the map as the 2025 recipient of ImageFirst’s HeroesFIRST national competition.
Amanda Sotelo, STC Communications
Edinburg Tx – South Texas College alumnus and South Texas Health System Edinburg Emergency Room Nurse Javen Hinojosa has put “the 956” on the map as the 2025 recipient of ImageFirst’s HeroesFIRST national competition.
This is the first time a health care professional from the Valley’s four-county region has earned this recognition.
In addition to the national recognition, Edinburg Councilman Place 1 and MTS Emergency Medical Services owner Dan Diaz presented Hinojosa with a proclamation.
“I was at a loss for words when I found out I had received this award,” said the 27-year-old. “I still don’t know how to feel. It’s amazing and this very moment to have the support of so many people is surreal. I never expected this. I was up against so many others from bigger cities, that I told myself ‘I’m just happy to be nominated,’ but now here I am and it’s beyond belief. I’m so grateful.”
HeroesFIRST, organized by ImageFIRST, a leading health care linen service provider, hosts the annual campaign to recognize health care heroes from across the United States who go above and beyond to enhance patient care and who align with the company’s values to “Be safe, honest, respectful and remarkable.”
“Hospitals like STHS Edinburg can’t provide exceptional service without the exceptional clinical staff like Javen because they directly impact patient outcomes, safety and satisfaction,” said Lance Ames, chief executive officer of STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s. “Since joining the nursing team, Javen has provided quality, compassionate care that goes beyond medical tasks to offer emotional support, education and advocacy, leaving an incredible mark on our patients.”
This year’s HeroesFIRST competition garnered more than 600 nominations from across the country, with Hinojosa making it as one of the campaign’s top finalists, before earning 1,121 votes, a 90% increase from the previous record vote count in the contest’s five-year history, to earn this year’s award.
Kurt Koenig, ImageFIRST general manager in Weslaco, said the outpouring of support Hinojosa has received is remarkable and is a testament to his commitment to the health care profession as a nurse and paramedic, and his dedication to his skills, practice and patient experience.
“This award is for everything Javen does to support patients and the community this hospital serves,” said Koenig. “Javen and everybody who works on the frontlines at hospitals like STHS Edinburg, are unsung heroes for what they do every day. We’re proud and happy for Javen. This is also a huge honor for us, because this is ImageFIRST in Weslaco and our first national honor for this program, also. Thank you, Javen, you are a champion.”
ImageFIRST Linen Technician at STHS Edinburg Darwin Trujeque, said he nominated Hinojosa for his inspiring live-saving skills he has witnessed on more than one occasion.
“Three times, I’ve walked into the ER to see Javen performing life-saving CPR…that is so amazing to me,” said Trujeque. “He truly embodies the spirit of HeroesFIRST.”
Javen earned his EMT Basic, Advanced EMT, paramedic and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from STC and his bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Arlington. He is also currently pursuing his master’s degree from UT Arlington.
“STC’s training gave me the foundation I needed to start a successful career and to continue my education, and here I am,” said Hinojosa. “Health care is continual learning and adapting. STC prepares you to be able to handle everything that comes your way.”
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., is honored and proud that this national award is showcasing an STC’s alumnus’ skills.
“Javen has made STC and everyone in the Rio Grande Valley proud,” he said. “On behalf of our STC Trustees, leadership, faculty and staff, congratulations. We take pride in seeing our students find success and be recognized for their work. This is why we do what we do. We will continue to be one of the state’s highest producers of nurses, among other health care professionals. At STC, we are meeting our region’s, state’s and nation’s needs.”