Meet Dr. Dana Martin, Pfeiffer’s Professor of Nursing, Director of the Pfeiffer Clergy Health Institute, and Interim Chair for the Department of Nursing. She has been teaching for 12 years, all of which have been at Pfeiffer! Dr. Martin teaches Pharmacology for Nursing Practice, the Community Health Nursing class and clinicals in both the traditional BSN and the RN to BSN nursing programs, Synthesis for Nursing Practice, Nursing Research for the RN to BSN program, and Nursing Principles, Skills, & Communication.

When asked how she became interested in nursing, Dr. Martin said, “When I was nine years old, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. I would often go with her to her chemotherapy treatment appointments, and I was able to experience the strong bond she developed with her oncology nurses who were essential to her healing process. After recognizing the positive impact that nurses have on patient health, I felt a calling to become a nurse!”

Dr. Martin would like for her students to leave her classes knowing that while nursing is one of the most challenging majors, nurses are crucial to communities, families, individuals, and the entire population, and that their role as a nurse is worth all the hard work.

When asked about her accomplishments, Dr. Martin said, “Honestly, my biggest accomplishment is being a part of the educational journey of so many amazing nursing students and nurses! In addition to that rewarding work, I have published journal articles, a book chapter, and a professional blog article. I have also presented at international, national, state, and local conferences.”

Dr. Martin is a graduate of the North Carolina Nurses Association Leadership Academy and has served on board of trustees for the North Carolina Foundation for Nursing for two years. During her role as the Pfeiffer Clergy Health Institute Director, Dr. Martin has worked with clergy members across the United States, and as a result of her participation, members have reported better health outcomes such as decreases in hypertension and/or diabetes medication under the supervision of a primary care provider, weight loss, and increased activity.

Dr. Martin holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and is currently a PhD candidate in the process of conducting her dissertation research. In Fall 2023, she was selected from a pool of applicants to participate in a course related to genomic competencies for nurses through Duquesne University, which she successfully completed in December of 2023.