Trudy Smith will be the Nurse Unit Manager of Banksia (B1), one of two new wards at the soon to be opened Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU). Her leadership will be instrumental as the facility prepares to open its first 20 beds in early 2025.
The SMHRU will offer 40 beds split between two self-contained units across two levels at the Gold Coast University Hospital. The two new wards are named Banksia (B1) and Sandalwood (LG), in keeping with Gold Coast Health’s Australian flora theme for mental health wards.
What led you to this role?
During my time as a student nurse, I completed a three-week placement in a mental health inpatient setting, and this is where my passion for mental health care began. From that moment, I knew this was the direction I wanted to take my career. Working in an inpatient setting and being part of a consumer’s recovery journey is incredibly personal and fulfilling, and it's exactly where I see myself. I’ve dedicated my entire nursing career to mental health.
What is your vision as the Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU) Nurse Unit Manager for Banksia (B1)?
As the new Nurse Unit Manager of Banksia (B1) at the SMHRU, my goal is to encourage a positive work culture to help the team deliver the best care possible to our consumers. I want to be an inclusive, supportive leader and a role model for new nurses aiming to grow into leadership roles.
What challenges do you anticipate in this role and how do you plan to address them?
The biggest challenge I see is building strong, lasting trust within a brand-new team. It's about setting solid foundations for teamwork and navigating team dynamics so we can work smoothly together. By balancing professionalism with a friendly approach, I believe we can unite as a team to provide the best care for our consumers.
What attracted you to SMHRU?
From my early days in nursing, I was always drawn to the idea of working in a secure mental rehabilitation health facility – it was a role that sparked my curiosity. So, when I learned the Gold Coast University Hospital was opening a brand-new facility, I felt it was the perfect chance to bring my experience and passion for mental health to a fresh setting. The excitement of taking on a new challenge was a big part of why I applied for the Nurse Unit Manager position in this new service.
What do you do to look after your own mental health?
Self-care is essential when it comes to looking after yourself, especially as Nurse Unit Manager where demands of the role can be challenging at times. Knowing my own limits and recognising when I need to step back and take a breather is key. For me, self-care means stepping away from the chaos and doing what I love – connecting with nature, walking barefoot on the sand and finding peace in those quiet moments to reset my mind.
Interested in joining the SMHRU Team?
We are recruiting for both clinical and non-clinical positions through SmartJobs.
For further information about recruitment opportunities, visit Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit | Gold Coast Health.
Want to know more?
Executive Director for Mental Health and Specialist Services, Malcolm McCann, and his team highlight the promising opportunities for recruits at the new SMHRU in this video here.
