On level one of the RCH, you’ll find Banksia, the RCH’s mental health ward that provides a safe environment for young people during a challenging time in their life.
Banksia has an interdisciplinary team that works to achieve positive treatment outcomes for young people, as well as having a lot of fun along the way.
Nurses Chrystie and Camille told us what it’s like to be there for young people who need extra support with their mental health.
Can you tell me about the patients you care for on Banksia?
Chrystie: Here on Banksia we get to work with young people during some of their most difficult days. We work with young people from the ages of 12 through to 18.
What makes Banksia unique from other wards?
Chrystie: Banksia’s physical setup and functioning are very different from all the other wards. All young people attend a group program run by our Travancore School, and they eat meals together and engage in therapeutic activities as a group. Families of patients at Banksia aren’t allowed to stay on the ward and the nursing team is responsible for their care.
What attracted you to working at the RCH?
Camille: RCH has a great reputation for professionalism, evidence-based practice and opportunities for growth.
Chrystie: I always wanted to work at RCH, ever since I got my tonsils out as a five-year-old. I thought a paediatric hospital with such a wonderful reputation was special. There are so many great opportunities and unique experiences. It hasn’t disappointed!
Why did you get into nursing?
Camille: I love working with people and helping others.
Chrystie: I always had an interest in hearing people’s stories and how they came to where they are. It was a toss-up between teaching and nursing, but I thought I would have more opportunities in nursing to work in a range of different settings.
What’s the most rewarding thing about your role?
Chrystie: Watching young people experience moments of joy, happiness and laughter – even if it is for a brief time that they allow themselves to feel good. I am privileged to see these young people confront and recall negative experiences, and be able to support and reassure them that they can recover from this and that these events don’t have to define them in a negative way.
Camille: I love the fact that everyone is so different and it is an area that is ever-changing.
Is there a particular patient you’ve cared for who stands out for you?
Chrystie: There have been so many! They all stand out in their own way. I enjoying creating a therapeutic relationship with each individual.
Camille: I learn something new from each person I work with. I find people generally fascinating.
How do you relax after a long shift?
Chrystie: Shopping. It’s cheaper than a psychiatrist! I enjoy social activities and spending time with friends and family. I also love regular massages.
Camille: Long walks, meditation, yoga, laughing with friends and listening to music. Self-compassion is essential in this role.
If you weren’t a nurse, what would you be doing instead?
Chrystie: Wow, that’s a tough question. I honestly don’t think I could see myself doing anything else. I never get a day the same and that’s really exciting for me.
Camille: Most likely another caregiving role, but I can also see myself doing something creative. It’s good to have a balance!
To find out more about Banksia ward, download My RCH App from the App Store or Google Play.
21 comments for “Meet our Nurses: Banksia”
Dee
I was a regular banksia patient for a few years. The nurses are unbelievably amazing at what they do and I can’t describe how thankful I am to have had their support. I wouldn’t of gotten to where I am without banksia !
Bailey
I literally would not be here without the help of the banksia ward. From being brought in kicking and screaming to leaving feeling more positive about my life, the nurses at banksia looked after me numerous times when I couldn’t look after myself.
Helen
I was admitted to Banksia a few times when I was younger, and I would honestly not be in the place I am today without the care of the nurses and doctors in the Banksia ward. Thank you to the staff for looking after me when I couldn’t look after myself. ❤
Katherine
Banksia taught me so many things inclduing that people do love and need me. They were there through it all and not once did a nurse judge me for anything. Without the ward i doubt id be where i am.
I went from a very sad teen with no life or ambition to a 21 year old with two children with a husband who is a quailified accountant.
Tayla J
The nurses, doctors, teachers, social workers, etc on the Banksia ward truly are life savers. Whether they’ve been there to hear our stories, a shoulder to cry on or a physical barrier to prevent harm. As much as my admissions on the ward were due to some of my darkest days I’m glad that Banksia was my safe place. I met many inspirational people there; patients and nurses, who’s stories and strength kept me going this long.
Alisha
without Banksia I can safely say I wouldn’t be here today. I am so grateful for all the hard work the banksia team put into not only my recovery, but also helping my parents through the really tough few years I had while being in and out of hospital. the team are truely amazing and deserve so much recognition
Alicia Torosidis
Banksia has saved me many times they are amazing super supportive I am so grateful for everything the hospital and staff have done the nurses are such wonderful people and are always there when u need them
Lesia
I was in Banksia many times and honestly if I hadn’t been there I wouldn’t be here today. The support from the nurses and teachers was incredible even though I didn’t always apresiate it at the time and the the crap we put them though because of the pain we where in they didn’t take personally. They always tried to put a smile on our faces and make up feel as comfortable as possible. Honestly couldn’t thank the staff enough!!!
Rachael w
The entire team at banksia is incredible. They truly helped save my life and I would have never regained self compassion without them. I was brought in not being able to eat, I hardly spoke and wouldn’t look anyone in the eyes. I was well and truly broken and had given up. They taught me so much in my time there from learning how to eat again, to being able to showing me that someone will always care and be willing to help. Most importantly they taught me how to be myself again and I will never be able to express my gratitude enough for them. They saved my life
Liv
Without the help from all the staff at Banksia I can say I honestly would not be here today, I would not have the knowledge or even the courage to continue my life. They supported me on the darkest days of my life and helped me get on my journey to recovery. On the days were it felt like nothing could ever get better, there was always a nurse there to tell you everything was going to be okay. I’m forever grateful for the help I received during my admissions at Banksia, RCH. For I truly wouldn’t be here without the support from everyone in there.
Lauren
I didn’t think I was going to make it to 17. Banksia changed that and changed me. We all will still have our hard times but these are the people who saw us at our very lowest, the moments we couldn’t even share with our loved ones.
Thank you so much for giving me the chance to keep on living.
Lauren G
Banksia has been the most incredible refuge from my own mind when I was at my absolute lowest. If I could personally thank each and every nurse that has cared for me in the duration of my stays, I would take the chance in a heartbeat. After spending years in and out of the ward as well as close friends receiving care from the staff there, I am so incredibly happy that this ward is finally receiving positive recognition from the hospital it’s situated in. Keep up the incredible work banksia nurses <3
Sally
A great interview and insight into one of RCH’s unique area’s. Even working at the hospital, I don’t know much about life beyond Bankia’s doors. I most enjoyed reading the above comments. These testimonials truly reflect what amazing work the nurses and other staff do in the unit. Well done, and what a privilege to make such a difference for these young people.
Kathryn M Stewart
I spent 6 years in and out of banksia, back when it was in footscray the we moved to RCH. the nurses saved my life on many occasions, I build a caring relationship with many of the nurses. I spent so much time in the ward I ended up studying psychology and then nursing. I can’t thank the nurses enough they printed a sort of kinship within me, they felt like family and I miss them a lot. God bless them!
Shania
I didn’t think I’d even be alive by my 16th birthday, but I was admitted into Banksia with help for many nurses. It was such a positive environment to be in and the nurses were unbelievably nice and so welcoming! Also helped me communicate more about my issues and what’s really going on in my head! I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Banksia!
Mohamed Anwar
Very nice stuff
I hope I join this stuff one day!
I’m professional nurse at Egypt and need more experience from Bankisa ✌
Isabel Cooper
What can I say, banksia is what makes us a family.
I’ve been in here for 2-3 times and even know I thought I’d never make it, the nurses and the friends you have in the ward is beautiful and so different to what you usually have outside.
What you are now is what the ward makes you and j wouldn’t have it any-other way.
Good-job dee for the page xoxo.
Isabel Cooper
S
Isabel Cooper
I wouldn’t be what I am today with-out the Bankisa Ward.
2-3 times of being in their and coming out stronger each time, with the help of the beautiful nurses and that amazing friends you meet on the way.
I don’t think I would have ever made it from being so low to what I am now with-out the help of every-one in the ward, shout to all of you, even Salt and Peppa!!!
Love dee and Caitlyn and Rachael, proud of yours xx .
Val you too girl!
Vicky
i honestly would not be here today without the help i received from banksia. during my addmisions i built great relationships with the nurses and teaching staff at travancore. i will be forever grateful !
kimberley scott
i was admitted to banksia age fifteen with anorexia and severe depression.. i met a nurse by the name of georgia polson who i have searched for ..for the past 2 years..i thank all the nurses for their help but i really want to see georgia again…she changed who i am and i would love to see her just once..if she even remember me .. but those kids in with me…bella… caitlyn..sussi..helen..adam..aron..koen…nina…taliesha and those else who i havnt named…i will always remember you and the part you played im my recovery…thank you also to the nurses amy..matty..maddie..dr edna…glen…and many others…you saved my life..