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Oct 18, 2022 / Spotlight
Get to Know our Staff: Elma "Irene" Martinez, Pharmacy
What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?
I am a sterile compounding pharmacy technician. I am responsible for compounding I.V. infusions in a clean room setting.
What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
My main responsibilities are preparing I.V. medications for patient specific orders and for use in our surgery and patient areas. Also, I maintain daily logs of the pressure, temperature and humidity in our I.V. and ante room to ensure compliance. I restock supplies, help with answering phones, deliver and restock medications to the units. And at the end of my shift, I clean and sanitize my work area.
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here?
When I was 14, I worked at McDonald’s. In 2004, I went to work for Walgreens in the pharmacy department. I received on-the-job training there, and that's where I got my PTCB certification in 2005. Once certified, I went to work at Melrose Pharmacy, where I received non-sterile compounding and sterile compounding training. It was there that I received my ACPE certification in aseptic technique through the University of Houston in 2007. Then, I went to work for Parkland Hospital for seven years before they relocated to their new building. I came here to work P.R.N. and ended up staying. I have been at Scottish Rite for six and a half years now.
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
The staff that I work with. I love how everyone works together to do what's best for our patients and their families.
Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
We are tested annually on our aseptic technique. We must pass in order to continue to prepare sterile compounds that are safe for our patients.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Well, I have been to California, Chicago and New York, but I must say driving down U. S. Route 90 here in Texas, headed to Big Bend National Park, and running into a Prada store in the middle of nowhere surrounded by mountains and tumbleweeds. Well, that was interesting, kind of Twilight Zone-ish.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I love football season and watching my Dallas Cowboys play. Win or lose, I will always be a fan.
What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I was number 12 of 13 kids.