Faith.
Science.
Whole-Person Health.
Welcome! I’m Martin W. Rivera Salas, a bilingual registered nurse, board-certified advanced holistic nurse, with more than a decade of experience in pediatric, neonatal, and across-the-lifespan holistic nursing.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of caring for patients and families in a variety of healthcare settings while developing a passion for health education, leadership, and whole-person care.
Martin W. Rivera Salas
Education & Training
My educational journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and interdisciplinary healthcare. Together, these experiences have shaped my perspective on health, leadership, and advanced holistic care.
Psychology with Honors (BA)
Class of Dec. 2026
Professional Training
Board Certifications
CPN
Certified Pediatric Nurse
Demonstrates advanced clinical expertise in providing safe, evidence-based, family-centered nursing care to infants, children, adolescents, and their families.
RNC-NIC
Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing
Recognizes specialized expertise in caring for critically ill and premature newborns requiring advanced assessment, stabilization, monitoring, and neonatal intensive care.
C-ELBW
Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonates
Demonstrates advanced expertise in caring for extremely low birth weight and medically fragile premature infants through evidence-based neonatal intensive care.
AHN-BC
Advanced Holistic Nurse – Board Certified
Recognizes advanced competency in holistic nursing by integrating evidence-based practice with whole-person care, therapeutic presence, and mind-body-spirit healing.
My Journey
Every chapter of my life has strengthened my commitment to serving others through nursing, leadership, education, and whole-person care.
After immigrating to the United States as a child, I grew up in Michigan where I developed a passion for service, education, and healthcare before graduating Magna Cum Laude from Churchill High School.
I began my nursing career at Children's Hospital of Michigan, providing pediatric and neonatal intensive care while building the clinical foundation that continues to guide my practice today.
Since 2007, leadership has been central to my journey through student organizations, community service, fraternity leadership, professional nursing, mentorship, advocacy, and public health education.
Graduate education, nurse coaching, and advanced neonatal training through the University of Michigan–Flint, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, and the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy continue to shape my evidence-based and holistic approach to care.
Through NurseMartin.com, I combine critical care nursing, holistic health, education, and leadership to provide trusted, evidence-based resources that empower individuals, families, students, and healthcare professionals to live healthier lives.
Recognition & Achievement
Wall of Distinction
Throughout my career, I have been honored by nationally recognized hospitals, universities, professional organizations, and academic societies for scholarship, leadership, research, clinical excellence, and service.
Professional Recognition
Clinical Excellence • Patient Care • Leadership
Nurse of the Year Finalist
Children's Hospital of Michigan
Finalist for the institution's highest nursing honor recognizing excellence in neonatal intensive care, leadership, mentorship, and compassionate patient care.
Nurse of the Month
Children's Hospital of Michigan
Recognized for outstanding clinical performance, professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to neonatal intensive care.
Pediatric Intensive Care Employee of the Month
Children's Hospital of Michigan
Honored for excellence in pediatric critical care, teamwork, and patient advocacy.
Commitment to Service Award
University of Michigan–Flint
Presented for exceptional volunteerism, servant leadership, and contributions to the university community.
Outstanding Nursing Student
Michigan Nursing Students Association (MNSA)
Statewide recognition honoring academic excellence, leadership, and service to nursing.
President's Award
Grand Valley State University
Awarded for exceptional student leadership and campus involvement.
Most Promising Sophomore Leader
Grand Valley State University
Recognized for emerging leadership and service.
Outstanding New Member of the Year
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc.
Recognized for scholarship, leadership, service, and commitment during the first year of fraternity membership.
Academic Achievement & Scholarships
Scholarship • Research • Academic Excellence
Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite Scholarship
Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction
Competitive graduate scholarship recognizing academic excellence, leadership, integrity, and commitment to higher education.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Scholarship
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Competitive scholarship supporting graduate nursing education and preparation of future healthcare leaders.
Friends of Penn Nursing Scholarship
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Award recognizing academic achievement, professional promise, and commitment to nursing.
Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholar
University of Michigan–Flint
University distinction recognizing exceptional scholarship, leadership, and contributions to campus life.
Virginia M. July Student Contribution Award
University of Michigan–Flint
Presented for outstanding student leadership, service, and contributions to university life.
Heart & Soul Award
Michigan Campus Compact
Honors exemplary civic engagement, volunteerism, and dedication to strengthening communities.
Michigan Nursing Student Scholarship
National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)
Scholarship recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to the nursing profession.
Gerald & Sharon Schreiber Research Grant
University of Michigan–Flint Office of Research
Competitive undergraduate research grant supporting scientific investigation and scholarly dissemination.
Frances Frazier Research Grant
University of Michigan–Flint Office of Research
Awarded twice in support of undergraduate research, scientific inquiry, and academic presentations.
Doric Lodge No. 342 Scholarship
Doric Lodge No. 342, Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Michigan
Scholarship recognizing academic achievement, leadership, character, and community service.
Wisdom Scholarship (National)
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. Education Foundation
National scholarship recognizing scholarship, servant leadership, and dedication to the fraternity.
Wisdom Scholarship (Regional)
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. Michigan–Ohio Alumni Association
Regional scholarship recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and fraternity service.
Leadership, Service & Honor Societies
Leadership • Service • Professional Distinction
Duke Chapel Scholar
Duke University
Selected for an interdisciplinary leadership program integrating faith, ethics, scholarship, and service.
Duke Interprofessional Health Scholar
Duke University
Selected for the Duke Interprofessional Education & Care (IPEC) Scholar Program promoting collaborative healthcare leadership.
Pro Bono Integrative Nurse Coach
International Nurse Coach Association
Volunteered as an integrative nurse coach supporting whole-person health, resilience, and wellness.
Recruitment & Retention Chair
Children's Hospital of Michigan
Led recruitment, mentorship, and professional development initiatives within a Level IV NICU.
Neuro-NICU Nurse Co-Lead
Children's Hospital of Michigan
Coordinated education and quality improvement initiatives supporting neonatal neurodevelopmental care.
Nurse Mentor & Coach
Children's Hospital of Michigan
Developed mentorship resources promoting professional growth and clinical excellence.
Vice President
National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)
Advanced mentorship, leadership development, diversity, and advocacy throughout Michigan.
National Director
National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA)
Elected to the national Board of Directors representing nursing students across the United States.
President
Michigan Nursing Students Association (MNSA)
Led Michigan's statewide student nursing association through advocacy, education, and leadership initiatives.
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
International Nursing Honor Society
Membership recognizing superior academic achievement, leadership, and excellence in nursing.
Golden Key International Honour Society
Academic Honor Society
Membership reserved for students among the highest academic achievers at their institution.
Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
Psychology Honor Society
International honor society recognizing scholarship, research, leadership, and service in psychology.
Order of Omega
Fraternal Leadership Honor Society
National honor society recognizing exceptional fraternity and sorority leadership.
Continuing a Tradition of Service
Every recognition represents the investment of extraordinary mentors, patients, colleagues, universities, hospitals, and professional organizations that have shaped my journey. These distinctions inspire a continued commitment to compassionate care, scholarship, lifelong learning, servant leadership, and advancing the nursing profession.