Morgan Smith joined Macquarie University Hospital in 2010 as a Cardiothoracic Case Coordinator Clinical Nurse Consultant and is now working as a Structural Heart Nurse in a Clinical Nurse Coordinator (CNC) role.

Morgan has nursed in both the United Kingdom and Australia in the public and private systems for the past 30 years and is an Advanced Life Support Instructor and a member of the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses.

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1. Something you’d like staff to know about

As a cardiothoracic case coordinator, I care for patients that mostly require open heart surgery, thoracic surgery and minimally invasive heart surgery. Most patients are over the age of 65 and I find patients are understandably anxious about their surgery. My job is to ensure they are well educated about their surgery and recovery.

The job I do as CNC Cardiothoracic case coordinator is the best and I love doing it. I get to know people at their most vulnerable and stressful time. They allow me into their lives and, overall, I believe I have a positive effect and I consider this a privilege.

2. Something you feel proud of

The team I work with. The nurses, doctors, allied health staff, ward clerks, cleaners, kitchen staff and porters work at a high standard, always have the patient as their first priority and work well together as a team.

Macquarie University Hospital staff members are from many different backgrounds, they are welcoming and lots of fun. There are always many laughs in my office and at the nursing station. It makes you feel good coming to work, even when it is busy and stressful.

Seeing patients go home to their families after surgery is an achievement for us.

3. What you need to do your best work

Definitely my team. I can only fulfil my role by working with the team I work with. I often think of my role as the icing on top of the cake; all the other staff do the bulk of the hard work (the cake) and my role is the icing on the top.

4. The coolest bit of equipment you use in your work, and what it does

The TED stocking applicator is a simple device that assists in applying compression stockings to a patient’s leg. It is simple, effective and great for your back.

5. Something people usually ask you when they find out what you do for a living

Oh, you are a nurse? I have this pain on my…

6. A favourite photo from your camera roll

We have the cutest dog called Archie. He is a Beagle and he is the most spoilt dog in the world!

 

7. Your definition of success

Happiness. I think being happy in your life, both personally and professionally, is so important. You don’t have to earn a lot of money or be the best at something; life is short and you need to enjoy it.

 8. The first person you go to for advice (and why)

My mum – she is a great listener and I value her advice.

9. Where you live and what you like about living there

I live in Marsfield. I love living there as I have lots of friends close by to catch up with and it’s easy to get to work. I also love the beach and heading up the coast, which I can access easily from home. There is also lots of great walks locally and I love walking with mates, often stopping for a refreshment along the way.

10. I’m happiest when…

I’m on holiday, especially in Shoal Bay. If I am not on holiday, I am planning one. I also love just hanging out with my two daughters. They make me laugh.