Tara Rees was born in Caerphilly and raised in the small village of Bedwas nearby. Growing up Tara held various local jobs before heading into nursing but always stayed in or close to Bedwas as it is a place close to her heart, with a friendly community and beautiful surroundings.
Tara says:
My interest in nursing began early when I was young and was inspired by a cousin who loved their nursing career and a neighbour who left to work in America as a nurse. Their passion and stories made me think, “That’s what I want to do.” I got a taste of the profession during a work experience placement at my local hospital in Caerphilly, and from then on, I knew nursing was my calling.
When I first started, the degree options for nursing were just emerging, but I joined the Project 2000 program – which was a diploma-based pathway with the option to specialise. Although I initially planned to move further away, circumstances took me just a few miles away from where I grew up to Cardiff. It turned out to be the best decision however, as the friendships I made during my training have lasted a lifetime, and the opportunities I’ve had since have been incredible.
After completing my diploma, I explored various specialties during placements but didn’t find my niche until the final months of training. A placement in a high-dependency unit (HDU) sparked my interest. It was a small medical HDU with experienced staff who were passionate about teaching, and I thrived under their mentorship. I became particularly interested patients with liver issues, which set the foundation for my future career. I also spent a few months on the Intensive Care Unit in London and witnessed a liver transplant, which cemented my interest in liver disease.
After two and a half years in HDU, I took a leap and went traveling, spending time in Australia. I worked as a nurse in Sydney, rotating through various hospitals and departments. The experience broadened my horizons and enriched my skills. Once I returned to the Cardiff Intensive Care Unit in Wales, I resumed my role in HDU, where medical and surgical specialties had started merging. This was a steep learning curve, but I embraced it and eventually advanced to a senior staff nurse position.
On one pivotal night shift, a colleague encouraged me to apply for a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) role in liver care. At the time, CNS positions were relatively new, but I was intrigued by the opportunity to shape a role from the ground up. I’ve been in this position for 21 years, and it has been an incredible journey.
Transitioning from a structured environment like intensive care to an autonomous CNS role was challenging at first, but it allowed me to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined. Over the years, I’ve completed my master’s degree, trained as a prescriber, and taken on advanced procedures. Teaching and mentoring doctors is now also a rewarding part of my work.
The landscape of liver disease has changed dramatically during my career. We’ve seen the advent of a cure for Hepatitis C, transforming a once-devastating illness into one that can be treated with a simple eight-week course of tablets. Meanwhile, the rise in fatty liver disease, linked to obesity and liver cancer, presents new challenges. These shifts keep the role dynamic and engaging, with no two days being the same.
What makes this role particularly fulfilling is the opportunity to connect with patients and their families on a deep level. Helping someone navigate the complexities of their condition and providing support during critical moments is an honour. Over the years, I’ve seen patients recover, regain their lives, and thrive, which is the ultimate reward for any nurse.
Outside of work, I find balance in my hobbies which includes music. I’ve recently reunited with my old band, “Duvet Splash”, performing rock and pop classics for charity events and reliving our youth. Music has always been a passion of mine, and getting back on stage brings a sense of joy and nostalgia. Our performances not only raise money for important causes but also bring people together, creating a great sense of community.
I also love exploring the mountains and beaches of Wales with my puppy. These outdoor adventures give me a sense of peace and joy, a reminder of the importance of self-care. Wales offers such stunning landscapes, and whether it’s hiking up a mountain or walking along a serene coastline, I always feel recharged and connected to nature.
Nursing in Wales offers unique advantages as our smaller, close-knit healthcare community can fosters collaboration and innovation. I’ve been privileged to witness how well Welsh health boards work together to deliver equitable care. Opportunities like the Florence Nightingale scholarship have also expanded my leadership skills and given me the confidence to aim higher, possibly toward a consultant nurse post in the future.
The NHS in Wales also places a strong emphasis on continuing professional development. I’ve attended numerous training programmes and conferences, which have kept me at the forefront of advancements in liver care. These opportunities have not only enhanced my knowledge but also allowed me to contribute to shaping policies and practices that improve patient outcomes.
I’m grateful for the support of my family and colleagues, who’ve made this journey possible. Nursing has been more than a career for me; it has also been a privilege to make a difference in people’s lives, guiding patients and their families through some of their most challenging moments.
For anyone considering a career in nursing, my advice is simple: embrace the opportunities, seek out challenges, and always stay curious. You never know where it might take you. Nursing is a field that evolves constantly, offering endless possibilities to grow, specialise, and make an impact. It’s a journey I would choose to take all over again if I could.
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