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Delfino Salinas realized the value—the deeper purpose—of nursing when his grandmother was in hospice care. 

“Watching the nurses care for her with such compassion, patience, and professionalism showed me how impactful this role truly is,” he said. “They weren’t just tending to her physical needs—they were also a source of strength and comfort for my entire family during one of the most difficult moments in our lives.”

This deeply emotional experience became a turning point for Salinas. It revealed a career where his passion for science could be transformed into something even greater, something grounded in making an impact on the human level. Nursing didn’t just seem like a promising opportunity; it felt like a calling.

Throughout his education, Salinas embraced a mindset of lifelong learning, largely credited to now retired Professor Greathouse, who instilled in him the importance of always asking why. 

Questions like “Why does this pathophysiology happen?”,  “Why do these hallmark symptoms appear?”, “Why do we assess in this specific way?”, and “Why is this treatment effective for this disease process?” have helped Salinas think critically, draw meaningful connections, and apply knowledge with confidence in the clinical setting. 

“Stay curious, stay engaged, and never stop asking why,” he said.

Salinas credits his success to a few other professors—Lisa Snell, Cathy Harrel, and Ashley Dominguez—who emphasized the value of applying textbook content to real-world situations. Their perspectives and expertise had a huge impact on his success during the hands-on portion of his education, which helped him thrive in the classroom and beyond. 

Salinas was also inducted into Sigma, an honor that reflects his commitment to excellence in nursing scholarship, leadership, and service.

“Receiving an invitation to join was truly an honor—one that I accepted with pride and gratitude,” he said. “I believe that being part of Sigma will not only enhance my growth as a nurse, but also empower me to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of nursing practice and to the well-being of the communities I serve. “

He recently accepted a position in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Rio Grande Valley. He is excited for the opportunity to deliver compassionate, family-centered care while continuing to grow in his clinical expertise.

Looking ahead, Salinas plans to pursue additional certifications such as the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) and Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), and ultimately earn a master’s degree in nursing. His long-term goals include advancing his practice, taking on leadership roles, and helping shape the future of the profession.

For Salinas, nursing is more than a career—it’s a way to serve, to lead, and to give back. And he’s just getting started.