Despite her name, there’s nothing Mini about Mini Thomas’ presence at Logan Hospital.
For the past seven years, Mini has worked as a Clinical Nurse in the Children’s Inpatient Unit, where she brings kindness, positivity, and care to every shift.
She arrives at each shift with one goal: to do what’s right for her patients, colleagues, and the wider healthcare team.
That dedication was recently recognised when Mini was named the ‘Our Values Staff Awards’ winner for Integrity.
The Senior Nurse and Shift Coordinator said living the value of integrity meant turning feelings into actions.
“At the heart of my practice is empathy, the ability to truly understand and share in what my patients are feeling, and compassion - the drive to not just understand their suffering but to actively ease it,” Mini said. “Integrity means making sure that my empathy and compassion aren’t just feelings, but actions that align with professional ethics, patient dignity, and respect.”
Mini credits her mother, a woman with a disability, as the inspiration behind her career.
Watching her mother navigate a broken health system made Mini determined to become the kind of nurse who could make a difference and now she uses her experience to support others, especially new nurses.
“I remember how hard it was being a new graduate nurse. I want to be the kind of support I needed when I was starting out.”
Her leadership and care have a big impact on the ward, with multiple colleagues nominating Mini for the award.
In their many nominations, the CIU team described Mini as authentic, respectful, and deeply committed to equity in care.
“She works hard to make sure every patient is treated fairly, no matter their background, and she always speaks up for those who need support,” the team said.
Mini was quick to share love though and said she felt so proud knowing she worked alongside such great people with the same intent, to change the lives of many.