This month Logan Hospital celebrates the incredible milestone of Nurse Unit Manager Clare Smith, who leads the team on Ward 7C (Internal Medicine), the milestone has been a moment to reflect on a lifetime of care, leadership, and connection.
“I can’t believe it’s been 40 years,” Clare said. “I didn’t actually remember ever saying I wanted to be a nurse - I just applied to a few hospitals in the UK, got accepted, and once I started, I loved it.”
Clare trained in Yorkshire, England, before emigrating to Australia in 1992. She worked at Ipswich Hospital and QEII, before finding her long-term home at Logan Hospital, where she has now worked for 32 years.
“I’ve always liked medical nursing, not surgical,” Clare laughed. “Respiratory wasn’t my first choice, but I grew into it. Now I love it, and I just really like Logan. The people are great, the team is fantastic, and I’ll probably be here until I retire.”
Her career has been filled with achievements, including receiving the Metro South Values in Action Award for Excellence. But for Clare, the greatest rewards come from the people she works with every day.
“The team on 7C are hardworking, fun and just great people,” she said. “They do such a good job, and I love working with our internal medicine team and the executive too. It’s a really supportive environment.”
Reflecting on what keeps her motivated, Clare said it’s the chance to make a difference for both staff and patients.
“I still like to get out on the floor when I can. I love patient care. Even as a NUM, you can still make sure people get great care by supporting your team.”
When asked what she hopes to achieve next, Clare’s answer was simple: “I just want 7C to be the best ward in the hospital, the most welcoming, and the one that provides the best patient care.”
Her team shared some heartfelt words about Clare:
“It’s hard to put into words just how much Clare’s energy, leadership and support mean to everyone around her. As a NUM, her leadership is not only visible but deeply felt and she walks the halls with a spirit that lifts others. Clare, you’ve built more than a team, you’ve built a family. Your presence inspires, your guidance empowers, and your legacy shines brightly across Ward 7C and beyond.”
Congratulations, Clare, on 40 remarkable years in nursing and for continuing to inspire those around you every day.