Sally Ann Martens

Areas of Expertise

• Mixed Methods and Qualitative Research Designs
• Pediatric Chronic Illness, Disability, and Sibling Caregiving Research
• Pediatric Orthopedics, Burns, and Acute/Chronic Care Clinical Expertise

HHS Signature Research Area(s)

• Developmental Health and Wellness
• Sustainable Organizations and Thriving Communities

School of Nursing Research Area(s)

• Family, Maternal and Child Health
• Health Promotion and Population Health
• Mental Health

Biography

Dr. Sally Ann Martens is a nurse scientist, family nurse practitioner, and assistant professor whose career integrates clinical expertise, research leadership, and a sustained focus on children with complex health needs and their families. She holds a PhD from the University of Arizona and advanced clinical training as an FNP, supported by more than a decade of experience as a nurse practitioner and registered nurse in pediatric specialty settings, including Shriners Children’s Hospitals in Kentucky and California. Dr. Martens’ research centers on family caregiving, sibling involvement in pediatric care, child developmental outcomes, and mixed‑methods health research, supported by multiple funded grants in roles as principal investigator and co‑investigator across institutions such as Sigma Theta Tau, Brigham Young University, and the University of Utah. She has an active record of peer‑reviewed publications, national and international presentations, and scholarly contributions to pediatric nursing, trauma, and family caregiving science. Her teaching experience spans undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, and she has served on DNP and PhD committees, reflecting strong mentoring engagement. Dr. Martens has received multiple honors, including the Shriners Children’s Nursing Excellence Award, and contributes to the profession through journal reviewing, professional service roles, and leadership within organizations such as Sigma Theta Tau and MNRS.

Education

• 2022 PhD, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
• 2017 MSN, FNP-C, Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, California
• 2015 BSN, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida
• 2008 ASN, Good Samaritan College of Nursing, Cincinnati, Ohio

Websites

• Family Compassion and Care Lab

Current Courses

• NURS 690 - Innovations in Health Care
• NURS 503 - Advanced Health Assessment
• NURS 611 - Primary Care of the Young Family

Selected Publications

• Martens, S.A., Sparks, J., Davison, S.E. & Lypova, N. (2025). Enhancing Feedback Seeking Strategies Among Nursing Students: A Targeted Educational Intervention. Journal of Nursing Education, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20250415-03
• Martens, S. A., & Badger, T. A. (2024). Self-concept development of school-aged children with congenital upper limb differences: A mixed-methods study. International Journal of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing, 52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijotn.2023.101066
• Martens, S. A., Tuberty, S. & James, M. A. (2023, May). Self-concept development in children with limb differences: A scoping review. International Journal of Orthopedic and Trauma Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijotn.2023.100997
• Martens, S. A., Romanowski, K., Palmieri, T., Greenhalgh, D., & Sen, S. (2023). Massive pediatric burn injury: A ten-year review. Journal of Burn Care & Research: Official Publication of the American Burn Association, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irab201

Selected Honors/Awards

• Shriners Children’s Nursing Excellence - 2023

Selected Grants

• Sigma/MNRS. Research Grant. 4/2024. “The Effects of How We Feel Mobile App Intervention on Adolescents’ Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, and Mental Health: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study.” ($3,500., Role: PI)
• Brigham Young University. Research Grant. 6/2024. “Siblings as Caregivers: Exploring Support Provided By Siblings For Children With Chronic Illnesses.” ($2,500., Role: Co-investigator)
• Family Caregiving Collaborative. University of Utah. 6/2023. “Exploring Sibling Relationships in Families Raising Children With Chronic Illnesses. ($2,500., Role: Co-investigator
• Consortium for Families and Health Research (C-FAHR). University of Utah. 4/2023. “Siblings as Caregivers: Exploring Support Provided By Siblings For Children With Chronic Illnesses.” ($1,500, Role: Co-investigator
• Sigma Theta Tau Dissertation Grant. Beta Mu Chapter. 8/2021. “Self-Concept Development of School-Aged Children With Congenital Upper Limb Differences: A Mixed-Methods Study.” ($1500. Role: PI)

Professional Affiliations

• Sigma Theta Tau Member.
• Midwest Nursing Research Society Member. RIIG Chair Elect
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Member.