Martha Crandall Smith, RN

Martha Crandall Smith is a dedicated Behavioral Health Nurse Manager at Bon Secours Mercy Health, where she plays a vital leadership role at Rappahannock General Hospital in Virginia. Since beginning her nursing career in 2014, Martha has specialized in inpatient behavioral health, combining clinical expertise with a deep commitment to patient-centered care. She earned her Associate’s degree in nursing from Rappahannock Community College and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Post University, further strengthening her foundation in evidence-based practice and leadership.

Martha’s journey into nursing is a testament to resilience and purpose. Entering the field as a second career while raising two children as a single parent, she found her path in behavioral health—a specialty she initially hadn’t planned to pursue but quickly grew passionate about. Over the years, she has advanced from a clinical coordinator to Nurse Manager, overseeing a close-knit inpatient behavioral health unit focused on patient safety, teamwork, and compassionate care. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, she serves as a CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) instructor, training healthcare staff to effectively and safely manage high-risk situations.

Driven by a genuine desire to help others, Martha is deeply committed to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. She believes in meeting patients where they are and guiding them through some of their most difficult moments with dignity and empathy. Her work reflects a strong belief in the importance of mental health care, not only within hospital settings but across the broader community, making her a trusted advocate and leader in behavioral health nursing.

• Associate's degree in nursing from Rappahannock Community College
• Bachelor's in nursing from Post University

• RN
• BSN
• CPI Instructor

• ANA