From a young age, Rubee had her heart set on becoming a nurse. Growing up with a brother who lived with a chronic illness meant countless days spent in hospitals. Yet amidst the worry and difficult days, what stayed with her was the kindness, patience and comfort her brother received from the nurses. Their care had a lasting, profound impact on her and it was through these experiences that Rubee knew she wanted to offer that same level of support to others facing similar struggles.
Now a registered nurse at South Coast Private Hospital, Rubee admits that mental health nursing wasn’t part of her original plan.
“I became more interested in mental health nursing after doing a four-week placement at South Coast Private Hospital as part of my training,” she recalls.
“The experience made me realise how impactful mental health care can be and it inspired me to pursue it further.”
For Rubee, there wasn’t one single moment or sudden epiphany during her placement that confirmed her path. Instead, it was an accumulation of moments that led to finding her sense of purpose.
“It was the environment, the staff, the patients, the entire experience that made me realise mental health nursing was the path I wanted to pursue.”
After completing her placement Rubee stepped into her first role as an Assistant in Nursing at South Coast Private Hospital, whilst completing her nursing degree. Her commitment saw her accepted into the hospital’s New Graduate Program, where she successfully completed her first year as a registered nurse.
This milestone marked the beginning of a career pathway shaped by compassion and a growing confidence in her chosen field. As Rubee continued to develop her skills, new opportunities emerged that would soon broaden her experience and expand her leadership.
“After transitioning into a Registered Nurse role, I continued to grow and most recently, I was honoured to be offered the opportunity to step up and work as the Acting Nurse Unit Manager, which has been a fulfilling next step in my career,” explains Rubee.
“The support I receive from the team at South Coast Private Hospital makes a huge difference in my day-to-day work, and it’s what keeps me motivated and proud to be part of this community.”
Throughout her professional growth, Rubee’s passion for mental health nursing and her dream of making difficult moments a little softer for someone else, remains at the heart of everything she does.
“The impact of seeing patients make progress, whether it's through small steps or larger breakthroughs, reinforces the importance of the work we do,” says Rubee
“It’s knowing that my efforts, no matter how tough the day might be, can directly influence someone’s mental health and overall quality of life that drives me to keep showing up and doing my best.”
With Mental Health Nurses Day shining a light on the dedication of nurses across the country, Rubee is quick to share her reflections with those considering this path.
“For anyone starting out in nursing and thinking about pursuing a career in mental health nursing, I’d suggest approaching it with an open heart and a willingness to learn,” explains Rubee.
“Mental health nursing can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires patience, empathy and resilience.
“Take the time to truly understand the complexities of mental health, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek support when needed.
“Building strong therapeutic relationships with patients is key, as is maintaining your own wellbeing and self‑care.
“Most importantly, trust that the impact you can have on a person's life, even in small ways, can be profound. It's a path that requires dedication, but it’s a path that offers the opportunity to make a real difference.”
