News

Lissi Martinez
Nurse intern/CNA operating room
January 2025 | My journey into healthcare

Columbus Community Hospital's Student Nurse Internship Program has attracted many people for whom nursing has always been a dream. Lissi Martinez is one of them. Born in Colorado, Martinez has called Schuyler, Nebraska, home for most of her life.

She graduated from Schuyler Central High School in 2022 and began her college education at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska. After her freshman year, she decided to pursue her studies closer to home and continued her education online. This flexibility allowed her to work while preparing for her full-time studies.

Martinez lives with her parents and three brothers - Antonio, Dennis and Aaron. Her family recently grew with the arrival of two nieces, Valentina and baby Victoria. She is now a first-year nursing student at Central Community College and is bilingual in both English and Spanish.

Since 2021, she has worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in various settings, including nursing homes, clinics and hospitals. These diverse experiences have helped her understand her preferences, she said, and identify the environments in which she thrives. Right now, she is working at three different places - at CCH, CHI Schuyler and Columbus Family Practice - while pursuing her nursing degree.

Martinez chose to pursue the internship program at CCH because she believes it presents an incredible opportunity for growth. "This program will provide invaluable hands-on experience and open doors for my future career," she said.

As a student nurse intern, Martinez's primary responsibility is to work alongside a registered nurse for at least 24 hours each month, observing their work and learning from their expertise. CCH is providing exceptional support throughout the experience, assigning her a dedicated mentor nurse who will provide guidance and support on a weekly basis.

Martinez said she is most excited about the prospect of working in the operating room. During a previous job shadowing experience in labor and delivery, she observed a cesarean section procedure, which surprisingly intrigued her. As a result, the operating room has become a significant area of interest for her.

"I aspire to achieve significant personal and professional growth during my time at CCH," she said. The OR experience and apprenticeship program will undoubtedly push her outside her comfort zone, she said, and she is eager to embrace the challenges and learn as much as possible.

Martinez wholeheartedly recommends CCH to anyone considering a career in healthcare. From the initial interview process to the welcoming orientation, her experience at CCH has been incredibly positive. "The entire team has been supportive and friendly," she said, "creating a welcoming and encouraging environment."

Outside of her studies, Martinez cherishes spending quality time with family and friends. "Playing with my nieces brings me so much joy," she said.

Her two dogs, Onyx and Cooper, are a constant source of companionship and she enjoys taking them for walks. She also loves to relax with a good book, color and catch up on her favorite shows and movies.

To learn more about Columbus Community Hospital or available careers currently open within the hospital, visit columbushosp.org.