JNESO

“Fascinated by science and biology, Lory Martini of Saylorsburg, Pa., knew that she wanted to pursue a career that related to medicine. “In high school, I loved doing the labs and dissections it was so interesting.  I was also intrigued about the human body, how it healed, how it functioned,” she explained.

After working as a nurse’s aide she decided to go to school to become a surgical technician.  “You have your first job and become a little bit intrigued with what you see, and then you move up the ladder in life, it was a gradual process that actually led me to nursing.”

After taking a college aptitude test that pointed directly to nursing as a match, she solidified that course. “I was kind of destined to be a nurse, despite the undertones, and I have never regretted that decision.”

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Martini found her niche as a surgical nurse. “You get to see what is wrong with the patient from the inside, and then watch as things like cancer are removed and you can see the immediate improvement in the patient, it is amazing.”

Martini has been a nurse in the Cardiothoracic Surgery unit for 29 years, spending the past decade at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Pocono.  She is a certified Operating Room Nurse and is a member of the Association of Operating Room Nurses.  She works directly with doctors and patients, going over charts, checking for allergies and medical history and other things that might affect the surgery, and answering questions to make patients feel comfortable.

For Martini, patient safety is always a top priority: “We take care of people at their most vulnerable and can’t protect themselves. We keep them safe, warm and comfortable before and during surgery.  They may not remember me, but it’s ok because I know I have made an impact and was there for them.”

In addition to protecting patients, Martini also volunteers as a Chief Steward for the JNESO local at LVH-P to protect nurses.  “I handle grievances between nurses and the hospital. I think a lot of nurses are afraid to come forward with issues, it can be a little overwhelming and they aren’t sure what they can and can’t do.” She added, “JNESO gives nurses a collective voice and can speak about an issue, a unit, or patient care in general to protect nurses and their practice.”

As an operating room nurse, Martini said she feels fortunate to not have experienced the same level of stress that other nurses have over the past few years, but recognizes that things do need to change.

“Nurses have to believe in themselves and how great they are, despite the obstacles they work against,” relayed Martini.  “Many nurses are feeling overwhelmed and burned out, but we are all behind them and are working to make positive change and improvements for the future.”