“Nursing is not easy and it takes a special heart,” says Tasha Martinez. “I’m proud to be among so many people who have that calling.”
Martinez admits her path to nursing was a winding one. “When I started college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I was inspired by my roommate, who was a nursing student. As I started taking classes, I began to understand just how vast the field is. It’s inspiring to be able to make such a difference in other people’s lives.”
A graduate of the University of Texas Arlington’s Nursing School, Martinez has been a nurse since 2011. She’s worked in telemetry and cardiac units at large hospitals—and in the trenches during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was such a scary moment for all of us,” she notes. “We didn’t really know what was coming. We were bracing ourselves for this question-mark of an event. I saw so many highs, so many lows, but at the end of the day, the biggest thing I love about nursing is the teamwork. No man is an island in this career. It takes teamwork and strength from one another—especially during the difficult times.”
Those difficult times sparked Martinez’ return to school to complete her graduate degree in nursing. “I feel like I can have more impact in a role that includes clinical decision making,” she adds.
Over the years, Martinez encountered many physicians from Urology Partners of North Texas (UPNT) while they were making rounds at the hospitals where she worked. “I always loved seeing them on the unit and having their patients. They were always very kind and taught me so much. They were great mentors.”
The admiration went both ways. When Dr. Keith Bloom learned Martinez was graduating and had already passed her boards, he invited her to join UPNT. She was happy to accept.
“I do the weekend hospital calls,” she explains. “I’m there with people when they are at their most vulnerable. Sometimes it can be embarrassing for patients, so I’m honored I can comfort and encourage and help them through those moments. There are so many things we can do to help people struggling with urologic issues enjoy a better quality of life.”
When she isn’t caring for patients, the new mom enjoys spending time with her husband and young son. Camping, karaoke and writing fiction are on her fun list, too.
