We give so much of ourselves in caring for others, and it’s important to have something that gives back to us.
Luis Mota Besa Jr., BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC
As an ICU nurse, Luis Mota Besa Jr., BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, spends his days caring for patients during some of life’s most critical moments. Outside the hospital, he finds balance with a paintbrush in hand. What began years ago as a creative interest has become a meaningful outlet that helps him recharge, process the emotional demands of critical care and reconnect with himself. In this interview, Luis shares how nursing and painting complement one another, and why finding a creative outlet is essential to maintain well-being both on and off the job.
Tell us about your path to becoming an ICU nurse. What drew you to critical care?
My path to becoming an ICU nurse was shaped by my desire to be present during the most critical moments in a patient’s life. Early in my nursing career, I realized I was drawn to high-acuity settings where close monitoring, critical thinking and teamwork are essential. Critical care challenged me, but it also gave me a deeper sense of purpose. Being able to care for patients and support families during vulnerable times is something that continues to inspire me every day.
What moments in your career have shaped the way you practice nursing today?
Over the years, I’ve had many moments that shaped how I practice nursing, especially those involving patients and families during difficult and uncertain situations. Being part of both recoveries and losses has taught me the importance of compassion, presence and communication. It reminded me that beyond the clinical aspect, nursing is deeply human. These experiences have made me more mindful, patient-centered and appreciative of the trust people place in us.
What inspired you to start painting during your time away from the hospital?
I actually started exploring art years ago while I was working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where I began sketching faces and experimenting with different mediums like watercolor, gouache and acrylic. Over time, nursing became my main focus, and I stepped away from it. Recently, I felt drawn back to painting again as a way to reconnect with myself outside of work. It started as a quiet outlet, but it gradually became something more meaningful.
How does painting help you decompress or process the emotional intensity of working in critical care?
Painting allows me to slow down and be fully present. In the ICU, everything moves fast and requires constant attention. When I paint, it’s the opposite. It becomes a quiet, focused space where I can process emotions without words. It helps me release stress, reset mentally and regain a sense of balance. It’s not just a hobby for me; it’s a form of emotional grounding.
In what ways do you see parallels between painting and nursing?
Both painting and nursing require attention to detail, patience and intuition. In nursing, you assess, adjust and respond to what the patient needs. In painting, you do something similar; you observe, adapt and build gradually. Both require presence and a level of sensitivity, whether it’s to a patient’s condition or to the flow of a composition.
Does creativity influence the way you care for patients or approach problem-solving in the ICU?
Yes, I believe creativity plays a role in how I approach both patient care and problem-solving. It encourages flexibility, open-mindedness and the ability to see things from different perspectives. In critical care, situations can change quickly, and being able to think creatively can help in adapting and finding solutions while still maintaining safe and effective care.
Critical care nursing can be both rewarding and demanding. How important is it for nurses to have healthy outlets outside of work?
It’s very important. Nursing, especially in critical care, can be emotionally and mentally demanding. Having a healthy outlet outside of work helps prevent burnout and allows us to recharge. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated. What matters is having something that brings peace, balance and a sense of identity outside of the hospital.
How does engaging in art help support your personal well-being as a nurse?
Engaging in art gives me a sense of calm and fulfillment that balances the intensity of my work. It reminds me that I am more than my role as a nurse. It reconnects me with creativity, patience and self-expression. It helps me return to work more grounded and emotionally present.
What advice would you give to other nurses who are searching for ways to recharge outside of work?
I would say start with something simple and something that genuinely interests you. It doesn’t have to be perfect or productive, just something that allows you to disconnect from work and reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s art, music, exercise or anything else, having that outlet can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
What message do you hope other nurses take away from your story?
I hope other nurses realize that it’s OK to slow down and take care of themselves outside of work. We give so much of ourselves in caring for others, and it’s important to have something that gives back to us. For me, that became painting. For others, it might be something different, but having that outlet matters.
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