40 years and counting: Celebrating the service of Martha Hernandez

Recognizing her 40 years of dedication to Memorial Medical Center, we recently treated Martha Hernandez, RN, BS, CPHQ, of Cardiovascular Services to a celebratory dinner with her husband. Beginning her Memorial career in the orthopedic unit in 1980, Martha is currently the Chest Pain Coordinator.

We recently asked her a few questions about her 40 years of service to Memorial and the community:

How did you come to a career in healthcare? It’s going to sound crazy, but at the age of 7, I had my tonsils removed here in Las Cruces. I loved the hospital and looked up to the nurses. From then on, I knew I wanted to become a nurse.

When did you start your career at Memorial? What was your role and what roles have you held since then? I started working in the orthopedic unit back in 1980, during my last year of high school. I continued working while attending New Mexico State University and once I graduated, I started my nursing career in the Med-Surg Unit trying to get experience in caring for patients with different medical issues. A year later, I again moved to the orthopedic unit, which I really enjoyed. I stayed there for about 6 years. During this time, MMC went through a shortage of nursing staff in ICU and I was encouraged to go work there, so I did. I worked in the med-surg ICU units for 8 years and learned so much during that time. …When I was given an opportunity to move to Utilization Management/Quality Dept, I did. I have been in working in this area in one capacity or another for over 20 years, but specifically with the Cardiology group for 11 years. In between in went to CDI for 4 years and although I liked it, I really have enjoyed working with the cardiology group the most

How important of an institution is Memorial for Southern New Mexico?  Memorial is a vital part to this community. Although we are the oldest facility in our town and newer hospitals are now available, I think that we are very competitive and provide good care to many loyal customers that prefer coming here.  

What has been your favorite part of working at Memorial over all these years? Memorial Medical Center has provided me with great opportunities throughout my career. From the time I started working here, I have had great people around me that have taught me different things and supported me in moving into different rolls. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to work here all these years.   

What would you say to someone who is interested in working at Memorial? I would say that Memorial is a great place to work with great opportunities. This is a place where you can always learn and advance, if you work hard and strive for it. You can be a part of a great team that strives to give the best care to our community.