Rhianon Martinez has always wanted to help people that many times find it difficult to access health care. In 2007, she received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Southeast Community College in Lincoln.
In 2016, she had an opportunity to fulfill that passion when she went to work as a triage nurse at Bluestem Health. As a triage nurse, she met with patients upon arrival to identify their medical needs, and assist them in getting the care they needed. She also tracked patients when they went to the hospital. Prior to joining Bluestem Health, she worked for a clinical research company.
Today, Rhianon spends most of her time as the hospital tracker, but still helps out as needed as a triage nurse. As a hospital tracker, Rhianon follows Bluestem Health's patients from the time they are admitted to a hospital for inpatient or emergency services through follow-up appointments. She estimates that about 30% of the patients at Bluestem interact with her. She also talks with social workers about new patients who are referred to Bluestem Health and makes appointments for those individuals.
"The population we care for could easily fall through the cracks when it comes to the delivery of healthcare services in our area," says Rhianon. "We see everyday how much these individuals appreciate the care we provide to them." Many of the patients are treated for chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension and mental health.
When not caring for her patients, Rhianon loves spending time with her three children, especially watching movies together and shopping.
