sarah martinez uc irvine school of nursing alumniOur weekly Alumni Spotlight series features updates on the outstanding graduates of the UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing. Sarah Martinez, class of 2019, shares her experiences.

Where do you work?

UCI Medical Center

What is your title?

Clinical II Registered Nurse, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your life?

I work as an oncology nurse and a lot of our oncology patients were moved to an outpatient surge area. Our units had to take more medicine, psych and post-op patients than usual.

It was difficult because I missed taking care of our oncology patients and had to adapt to taking care of a new patient population. 

What initially drew you to the nursing profession?

I was drawn to the nursing profession because of my experience with cancer in my family. I helped take care of my grandma and my sister after they battled with cancer and it inspired me to become an oncology nurse.

In addition, my mom was a nurse and an amazing nurse, at that! While growing up, I visited her at her job many times and always admired the work she was doing. 

What do you love most about being a nurse?

The quality time I get to spend getting to know my patients and being able to think on my feet.