As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Cara shared her story and explained why she’s proud to be a Cygnet Nurse.
From starting in the laundry room as a teenager at Cygnet’s iconic Tabley House Nursing Home in Cheshire, to becoming a trailblazing apprentice on the cusp of graduation, Cara’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of supportive leadership, and the life-changing potential of apprenticeships at Cygnet.
Cara’s career began in the laundry room at Tabley House when she was just 17. Fresh out of sixth form, she admits she felt uncertain about her future. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Cara recalls. “I just needed a job. I didn’t think that I ever could be a nurse or deal with medical things.”
However, the environment at Tabley House quickly worked its magic. At 18, she transitioned into a care role and discovered a hidden passion. “I did a few shifts and loved it,” she says. “I loved the little things that you could do for people that made a big difference. It felt really rewarding.”
It was Cara’s mum, Rachel, a nurse at Tabley House herself, who had worked there for over a decade, who first spotted Cara’s potential, constantly encouraging her with the words: “You’d make a lovely nurse.” Despite Cara’s initial hesitation (“I’d say no, no, I don’t think I could do it”), the seed was planted. When the opportunity for an apprenticeship arose in 2021, Cara took a leap of faith that would transform her career.
Tabley House is more than just a workplace for Cara; it is a community where she has deep roots. It is a true family affair: alongside her mother, Cara’s dad, Andrew, serves as the kitchen catering manager, and her uncle Stephen works in the kitchen as well.
This close-knit atmosphere extends to the residents they care for. Cara speaks with deep affection about the privilege of supporting the older residents at Tabley. “They’ve lived such interesting stories,” she reflects. “They’ve had this whole tapestry of life before they’ve got here… It’s so nice to learn about them before and see a whole picture of the person rather than just that little snippet that we see now.”
Cara’s academic journey has been impressive. She successfully completed her Nurse Associate training in 2023 before seizing a unique opportunity to undertake an Adult Nursing qualification – a “first” for Cygnet, which had previously focused on mental health nursing pathways.
The “earn while you learn” model has been a major advantage, allowing Cara to gain university-level qualifications without the burden of tuition fees.
Deborah Jones, Tabley House Home Manager, notes: “She’s earning and learning at the same time, highlighting the value Cygnet places on investing in our people.”
However, the journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Cara and Deb are honest about the realities of balancing work and study.
“It’s very busy. There are a lot of assignments. There’s a lot of studying,” Cara admits. Deb adds, because Cara was a pioneer in the adult nursing pathway, organising external placements in general settings like GP practices and hospices required persistence and resilience.
Yet, for Cara, the effort is undeniable, worth it. Her advice to others considering this route is clear: “Do it. Go into it with a positive mind-set… be very organised… and believe in yourself. You can do way more than you think you can.”
One of the most heartening aspects of Cara’s story is the support she received to balance her career ambitions with starting a family. Cara paused her studies to take maternity leave for her first child, a baby boy born in October 2024. She returned to her cohort with determination, driven by a desire to “get it done and get going again.”
Now 27, Cara is nearing the finish line, with her studies completed in April. In a wonderful twist of timing, she is also expecting her second baby this June.
The support from everyone at Tabley, particularly her manager Deb, has been instrumental. Deb ensured Cara had a clear plan and the necessary support to succeed, noting, “We need to support Cara to achieve… we’re in a win-win situation.”
For Deb, seeing Cara flourish is a source of immense pride. She views the apprenticeship programme as a vital way to develop talent that already embodies Cygnet’s Values.
“We are going to have a qualified nurse in Cara that already lives our values,” Deb explains. “You can’t teach somebody values… Cara is very much an ambassador of that and a real positive role model to other staff.”
Deb’s praise for Cara’s natural ability is glowing: “If you could write a job description about what the perfect nurse has got… there would be a little picture of Cara next to it.
Cara’s mum Rachel said: “I am incredibly proud of Cara for completing her nurse training. It has been an absolute privilege to share her journey. From laundry shifts to graduation, Cara has remained focused and determined, with her naturally bright and compassionate personality shining through — even when times got tough. I have no doubt she will have a fulfilling and rewarding nursing career, whichever path she chooses in the future.”
As she approaches her graduation and the arrival of her second child, Cara looks back at the 17-year-old young woman in the laundry room with pride. She has navigated the challenges of new curriculums, balanced motherhood with rigorous study, and emerged as a leader in her team. Reflecting on her journey and the unique, supportive environment of Tabley House, Cara sums up her experience with a sentiment that inspires us all: “I am proud to be a Cygnet Nurse.”
Cara’s story stands as a shining example to anyone debating whether an apprenticeship is right for them. With hard work, resilience, and appropriate support, at Cygnet, you can build a career that truly changes lives.
