ICU Nurse by Day, Mister Connecticut by Night
Image source: @salazarj_98
Move over, McDreamy—there’s a new heartthrob in healthcare, and he’s not just saving lives in the ICU. Jean Carlo Salazar, a Colombian-born nurse, has just been crowned Mister Connecticut 2025 and is headed to Los Angeles to compete for the national Mister USA title.
Salazar’s journey is as inspiring as it is swoon-worthy. Born in Cali, Colombia, he grew up surrounded by strong women—his mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister (“even our dogs were female,” he jokes). At age 10, his family emigrated to Connecticut, where he faced the challenges of being a gay teenager and an immigrant. Despite the bullying and adversity, Salazar finished school early and, in 2018, became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Source: WTNH
The Nurse Who Models Compassion—and Swimwear
Salazar told CTVoice, “Something that my beautiful mom instilled in me was that in this country education is key to success.” His educational path to becoming a nurse started at Middlesex Community College where he studied phlebotomy. He then earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Southern Connecticut State College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in nursing from University of Connecticut.
His nursing career began with roles at Stamford Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital, experiences he credits with shaping his skills as a nurse. In 2023, he became a board-certified ICU nurse and currently works for Option Care Health in Shelton, CT. Committed to advancing his expertise, he is pursuing a master’s degree at Quinnipiac University to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
By day, Salazar is an ICU nurse in East Haven, balancing high-stakes patient care with a calm, approachable demeanor. But don’t let his gentle bedside manner fool you—he’s also a professional model, discovered after a photographer spotted his Instagram and invited him for a shoot. That leap of faith led to agency representation and magazine covers, including Ardent and Vero.
Standing six feet tall with striking green-hazel eyes and a smile that could brighten even the gloomiest night shift, Salazar is the definition of “nurse goals”—and yes, he says he’s single.
Salazar’s entry into the Mister USA pageant came via his sister, Maria Camilla Medina, herself a pageant queen. After applying, he was quickly selected to represent Connecticut and will compete for a $50,000 modeling contract and a shot at Mr. Universe later this year.
But this isn’t just a beauty contest. The Mister USA competition seeks “well-rounded individuals who possess qualities beyond aesthetics,” emphasizing intelligence, social awareness, and charisma. Salazar hopes to stand out by sharing his immigrant story, LGBTQ+ identity, and advocacy for nurses as catalysts in healthcare. “They’re truly looking for people who do advocacy work. That’s where I want to bring in my own unique story,” he says.
“Nurses are the catalysts of the healthcare system, and as we know today, the healthcare system is suffering, and this is not news, especially with nurses,” he acknowledged. “Every single day, the nursing shortage is getting bigger and stronger, unfortunately, and we need to raise awareness before we don’t have any nurses left.”
Salazar is prepping for the big Mister USA stage with his signature “stylish relaxed athletic” look, and yes—there will be a swimwear segment. If there’s a talent portion, he plans to play piano, showcasing the same grace under pressure he brings to the ICU.
Salazar will be road-tripping cross-country to the nationals, and he’s seeking sponsorships via his Instagram @salazarj_98. Whether he’s in scrubs or a tux, Salazar is proof that nurses can be brilliant, compassionate, and—let’s be honest—gorgeous.
Here’s to hoping the Mister USA judges are ready for a dose of nurse magic. Connecticut (and the entire nursing community) will be cheering him on—stat!
🤔 Nurses, what do you think of Mister Connecticut? Share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.
