08/17/2026
“When I walk into a room, I put myself in my patients’ shoes,” he said. “I think about my parents being in that bed. I treat them the way I would want someone to treat my family.”
Refugio Avitia, a float pool nurse at MacNeal Hospital, was introduced to healthcare at a young age, often acting as a translator for his Spanish-speaking parents at their medical appointments. In 2014, he joined MacNeal as a patient sitter and gained a different perspective, watching the nurses and physicians interact and care for the patients they served. It's how he found his calling and shifted his career path to nursing.
Refugio graduated as a nurse in 2020. He quickly put that passion and education to work when needed most. His care, dedication and commitment continue today as he works in the float pool, able to flex his skills across the hospital. He also takes advantage of Loyola's tuition assistance program and partnership with Capella University to get his BSN.
Looking ahead, Refugio hopes to teach and mentor others. “Nursing has so many paths,” he said. “If you feel that calling, let it drive you.” For Refugio Avitia, nursing is a way to give back, honor where he came from and ensure every patient feels seen, respected and cared for, just like family.
