In 1989, in the middle of nursing school in Honduras, Lourdes Ortega, B.S.N., R.N., began a dream for her future.
“I had a great dream to work as a nurse in America,” she said.
She kept that dream as a nurse in Honduras for five years working in the operating room, recovery and intensive care unit of a large hospital. Ortega then served for 10 years as the occupational health nursing supervisor for the Environment, Health and Security Department of a large company that oversaw health and safety programs for employees throughout Central America.
In 2005, she decided it was time to work on her dream and moved with her two children to the United States. She worked as a nursing assistant at a hospital in Fort Worth and began working as a certified nursing assistant at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth in 2012.
“My manager, Nilsy Odicio, saved my life,” Ortega said. “She and all of my co-workers provided emotional support and encouraged me to transfer my R.N., B.S.N. license and continue my American dream.”
Her dream came true in 2015 when she began serving as a nurse at Texas Health Southwest in 2015 and then at Texas Health Clearfork. She is a R.N. III nurse in the Nursing Career Advancement Program (NCAP). NCAP recognizes and financially rewards nurses for their dedication to their hospital, profession and education. Nurses advance levels in the program through a variety of professional development activities.
“I didn’t like seeing ‘R.N. II’ on my paycheck, so I decided to join NCAP to advance my career and do something about it,” Ortega said. “I enjoy making a difference as a professional with passion, compassion and enthusiasm.”
One of the activities that has helped Ortega maintain her R.N. III is serving with Texas Health Clearfork’s Joint Camp Program in Spanish.
“I feel like it’s my little contribution to God and my community,” she said.
Ortega is planning to obtain her NCAP R.N. IV by becoming certified in orthopedics in the next few years. She credits her co-workers for keeping her motivated to advance her professional development.
“I have the best co-workers,” she said. “I am very grateful to belong to the team.”
