Milton Torres | Courtesy AMITA Health
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4 NIV).
Milton Torres, RN, BSN, believes that even when you have needs that may seem overwhelming, you still have something to give to others.
That is why Torres, a registered nurse in telemetry medicine at AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center La Grange since 2018, relies on his spiritual faith to guide him at work, at church and personally.
With his positive attitude, Torres is a good example of how to persevere when you face trials. In his personal life, he and his family experienced a house fire in March 2020 that was caused by a faulty lamp. His wife and children were able to get out of the house while he learned of it driving to work. In his professional life, the registered nurse has cared for COVID-19 patients during the unprecedented pandemic.
“My experience with the house fire — these are hard times now,” said Torres, who is married to Carli and father to a 7-month old son and 2-year-old daughter. “No matter what you are going through, personally you have something to give to others. Family and friends have grounded us. We forget who we depend on — that God is in control. It serves as a reminder to depend on God.”
Giving to others includes caring for seriously ill patients, working with his team, using kind words or being involved at church. Facing adversity has helped him grow personally and professionally.
Torres said he is thankful that his family can live with his in-laws in the Chicago suburbs. Renovation of his house, damaged by fire and smoke, has been paused during the pandemic.
Torres has been a member of Hinsdale Church for about 18 years. He is active at church—– serving on the nominating committee, co-leader for audio, and playing guitar and singing during worship.
“Nursing has been a perfect fit for me,” said Torres, noting he loves being involved with people and is service-driven, like his parents, who are both nurses.
Torres comes from a musical nursing family. His mother has a nursing and music degree, so she influenced Torres and two siblings. Growing up, they performed together. His mother had worked at AMITA Health Adventist Medical Centers GlenOaks and Hinsdale, and now works in case management.
“Right now, we wear masks and personal protective equipment at work,” he said. “A patient may be asymptomatic. This is a time where we all pull together at work.”
The telemetry unit provides care to patients with different types of infections, heart conditions, surgery, wounds and other conditions. His routine at work has changed as he rotates through the COVID-19 units. After work, he goes in through the garage at home, takes off his uniform and showers before he can play with his kids.
Although 2020 has been a challenging year, Torres counts his blessings, which include being a father. “We learn more from our kids than they learn from us,” he said.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him (James 1:12 NIV).
Julie Busch, associate vice president, AMITA Health
