Working one of her first shifts as a team lead, Tara found herself in an extraordinary situation in the Intensive Care Unit when a cardiac patient’s wound reopened post-surgery.
With no time to transfer the patient to theatre, the team had to act immediately and operate on the ward. The patient survived and was discharged just days later.

“I remember thinking, ‘what are other 23-year-olds doing on a Friday night while I am literally watching a woman’s heart beating in her chest,’” she said. “You really have the ability to change lives as a nurse.”

That moment helped shape Ms Walton’s ongoing passion for nursing and education. Today, she is the Mater Education Team Lead, based at Mater Private Hospital Townsville.

In her role, Tara focuses on maintaining high standards in nursing education, ensuring curriculum compliance and alignment with best practice. Her work supports students as they prepare to meet registration standards and begin their careers as enrolled nurses.

“My role is all about ensuring the curriculum is compliant and supported with best practice. This aligns with registration standards upon graduation as an enrolled nurse,” she said. “It is such a rewarding career. Whether you are student- or patient-facing, nursing can take you anywhere.”

Tara is deeply committed to fostering a supportive and connected learning environment. She describes the Townsville clinical school as a close-knit community where strong relationships between nursing teachers and students help create a sense of belonging and trust.

“Here in Townsville – across the hospital and the clinical school – we have such a tight-knit community. We’ve developed a strong family feel,” she said. “We get to know our students and their personalities, which really strengthens their learning experience.”

As a teacher, Tara believes in the profound influence they can have on their students’ journeys and outcomes.

“You really have the ability to affect and positively change your student’s journey through their learning,” she said. “Never underestimate the power and impact you have on each student you teach and use it wisely.”

Tara encourages anyone considering a career in healthcare to take that first step, highlighting the variety of pathways available within the profession.

“A healthcare course gives you endless opportunities to explore so many different fields,” she said. “You’re never going to be stuck doing one thing.”