Martha Nelson

Martha Nelson, Ph.D., is a faculty member at Saint Louis University-Madrid, affiliated with the Department of Health Sciences, Nursing and Public Health. She contributes to nursing education and public health initiatives within an international academic environment, focusing on communication, professional development, and cross-cultural healthcare.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), University of Utah
• Masters in Nursing Science (MSN), University of Utah
• Masters in Public Health (MPH), University of Utah
• Post-Masters' Certificate in Nursing Education, University of Utah
• Doctorate in Nursing (Ph.D.), New Mexico State University

Her research interests center on nursing education, public health nursing, community health, and medical interpretation between English and Spanish. She emphasizes improving nurse-patient communication, professional development, and continuing education. Her work promotes culturally competent care and patient-centered communication strategies.

The trend in her scholarly output reflects a strong commitment to health communication, patient education, and workplace well-being. Her presentations and research focus on creating common ground in clinical interactions, enhancing discharge teaching, and supporting interpreters in medical settings. These efforts align with broader goals of quality improvement and equity in healthcare delivery.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Nursing Professional Development Certification (ANCC)
• Member, Standard Setting Panel for Nursing Professional Development Certification (2020–2022)
• President, Sigma Theta Tau Gamma Rho Chapter (2021)
• Scholarship and Research Award “Common Ground” Poster (2014)
• Nursing Educators Conference Scholarship, New Mexico (2015)

Dr. Nelson actively contributes to professional development and academic service. She has advised on certification standards and led a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, indicating leadership in nursing scholarship. Though no formal grants are listed, her funded scholarships and research awards suggest engagement in academic funding. She is involved in multiple professional organizations including Sigma Theta Tau International, Association for Nursing Professional Development, and the American Public Health Association.

She is associated with academic and clinical initiatives at SLU-Madrid, particularly in developing healthy work environments and improving patient outcomes through education and communication strategies.