Her Story
About Franchesca
Franchesca Martinez-Khay is a Registered Nurse and Care Transitions Supervisor with 12 years of experience in healthcare. Her clinical background includes oncology nursing, care coordination, case management, discharge planning, school nursing, and nursing supervision. She currently serves as a Care Transitions Supervisor at University Hospitals, where she supports care-transition processes and leads initiatives focused on improving patient outcomes and addressing barriers to care.
Franchesca's nursing career reflects a commitment to continuous professional development. She earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Hondros College of Nursing and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University. Her professional credentials include Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, BLS Instructor, and Nursing Assistant Certification, along with a Google Data Analytics Certificate from Coursera. Throughout her career, she has developed experience working with oncology populations, coordinating patient care, supporting discharge planning, and leading healthcare teams.
As a healthcare leader, Franchesca is particularly passionate about advocacy, teamwork, accountability, and creating environments where patients, families, and colleagues feel supported. She attributes her success to resilience, adaptability, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous growth. She encourages the next generation of healthcare professionals to remain curious, establish healthy boundaries, seek mentorship, continue learning, and advocate for themselves and others. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she values family, resilience, personal growth, and adventure.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Franchesca
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, adaptability, and flexibility when facing difficult situations. I have remained committed to continuous growth and have maintained an open mind so that I can learn, adapt, and better support the people around me. My willingness to continue developing both personally and professionally has helped me navigate different roles throughout my healthcare career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to establish strong boundaries and recognize that boundaries are an important part of maintaining a sustainable career. I also believe strongly in the importance of education and lifelong learning. Healthcare is constantly evolving, so remaining open-minded, continuing to learn, and staying knowledgeable about best practices are essential.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never stop advocating for your patients, your colleagues, or yourself. Healthcare can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding, so learning early that setting boundaries does not make you less dedicated is important. Stay curious and continue learning even after earning your degree. Find mentors, build meaningful professional relationships, ask questions, and do not be afraid to pursue opportunities that challenge you. Your career does not have to follow one straight path; remain open to where your experiences and opportunities may lead you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As a leader, I see an opportunity to make an impact beyond the individual patient. I have the opportunity to support my team in improving healthcare processes, advocate for patients and their families, and help create a work environment where people feel valued and comfortable speaking up. I also see an opportunity to continue growing professionally and developing my own leadership style with the support of my family, workplace mentors, and administration.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My strongest professional values are compassion, advocacy, accountability, teamwork, and growth. In my personal life, family, resilience, growth, and adventure are especially important to me. These values guide how I approach my relationships, my leadership responsibilities, and my commitment to supporting patients, families, and colleagues.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.