Jackie Smith, 64, from Stanford-le-Hope, began her career on New Year’s Eve in 1984 at Orsett Hospital.
She transferred to Basildon Hospital in 1989, where she has remained ever since as a cardiology nurse, rising to become Senior Sister on the James Mackenzie ward.
Ms Smith remembers her first shift vividly, saying: “It was New Year’s Eve, and I just arrived – there was no induction, no support, nothing.
“I was just thrown in and you learnt everything on your feet.”
History – Jackie Smith back in 1989 (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Trust)
Now, nurses are given a thorough induction before working on the wards, and extensive support by senior staff.
There are also a variety of training and development programmes to develop their careers further, such as the nursing preceptorship.
Ms Smith has always treated patients with heart conditions as a cardiology nurse.
She said: “Cardiology was a new specialty for me.
“There is something to learn all the time, and I feel that you can make a huge difference to a patient’s journey.
“What’s key for me is the difference that you make to a patient at the end of the day, when you see them recover and go home.”
Passion – Jackie Smith back in 2000 (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Trust)
Working on a cardiology ward is a team effort – something that has been key to Ms Smith staying so long in the profession.
She said: “If I didn’t have my team, I probably wouldn’t be here.
“I never dread coming to work – I never get that Monday morning feeling because I love every day at work.
“That is because of the patients I get to treat but also because of the team that I work with.”
There have been a number of changes throughout Ms Smith’s time at Basildon Hospital.
One that she is particularly proud of was the ward becoming dedicated just to heart conditions after beds were moved there from Broomfield Hospital in 2020.
And despite entering the start of her fifth decade of service, retirement isn’t on the mind of Ms Smith yet.
She added: “I still love with a passion the job that I do.”