Joann Smetters, RN, Retires After 32 Years of Service with KSB
July 3rd marked a significant milestone for Joann Smetters’ nursing career. After serving patients, their families and co-workers for over three decades, she has finally put away her scrubs and retired from a long and rewarding career.
Joann began her career in Med-Surg. After five or six years, she went to work for Corporate Health as PRN when Connie O’Brien “ran it out of a box in the back room of the emergency department.” During that time, she also worked part-time in Home Care for Swedish American for several years.
When the Corporate Health Department opened in Commerce Towers (where Ortho is now) and a full-time position opened up, Joann went to work there.
In 2004, Dr. Appenheimer recruited her to work in the new Family Health Center. “I was worried I wasn’t going to like it, but I found I loved working with the residents and watching them become great family physicians,” recalls Smetters. “I have worked with so many great people over the years, some great mentors who helped shape me. Some have passed away, and some have retired, but there are a few that are still here. The Family Health Center staff have become my second family, and I will miss working with them!”
Now that her time is her own, Joann plans to stay active, working in her yard, enjoying more moments with her grandkids, and pursuing a little more traveling.
