Mary Martin
Mary Martin, BSN, RN, CWS, has dedicated nearly two decades to helping patients heal—and helping nurses lead. A nationally recognized wound-care specialist, she has built a career at the intersection of clinical excellence, leadership, and innovation. From launching evidence-based wound-care programs to guiding quality initiatives that improved outcomes across multiple facilities, Mary has made her mark as a compassionate leader and creative problem-solver.
She is the creator of the Martin-WISE (Wound Insights for Self-Care Engagement) Scale, a groundbreaking tool designed to measure and improve wound literacy. Through her work, Mary bridges technology, education, and empathy—empowering clinicians and patients alike to achieve better healing outcomes. Currently completing her Master’s in Nurse Leadership at Ohio University, she remains devoted to advancing wound literacy, mentoring emerging leaders, and ensuring that every patient’s story is met with skill, compassion, and hope.
• Certified Wound Specialist
• Registered Nurse
• Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College- ADN
• Ohio University- BSN
• Ohio University- MSN (in progress)
• ABWM
• PAWSIC
• PAWSIC
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors who believed in me, the teams who trusted my leadership, and the patients who reminded me why this work matters. Every challenge has been an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to give back. I’ve found that real success in nursing leadership comes not from titles or awards, but from lifting others up and creating lasting change in how we care.
At the heart of my journey is the belief that compassion and excellence can coexist in healthcare. I’ve carried a commitment to never stop learning, knowing that healthcare is constantly evolving—and that innovation means nothing without empathy. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible teams who share that same vision for improvement and impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my father, who told me, “Live every day like it’s a job interview. You never know who’s watching.” That perspective taught me the importance of integrity and showing up as my best self, no matter the circumstance.
Later in my career, another mentor reminded me to never let fear make my decisions. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort; it happens when we take the leap. Both lessons have shaped how I lead: with courage, authenticity, and an awareness that every interaction is an opportunity to make an impact.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Healthcare is changing fast, and there’s never been a better time for women to lead that change. Be curious, be courageous, and don’t underestimate the power of your ideas. The most meaningful innovation often comes from those who see problems differently and care enough to solve them. Use your voice. You’re not just part of the future of healthcare; you are the future.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Nursing faces a dual challenge: workforce shortages and burnout. But it’s also a moment of opportunity to redesign systems, strengthen mentorship, and remind nurses that their voices matter. Empowered, well-supported nurses drive safer care, better outcomes, and lasting change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are compassion, integrity, and curiosity. Compassion keeps me focused on the person, not just the problem. Integrity reminds me to lead with honesty and consistency, even when no one is watching. And curiosity fuels my drive to keep learning, innovating, and finding better ways to serve others because growth, both in care and in character, never stops.
