The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) presented Clinical Educator Karen Dutton with an Award of Merit last week in recognition of her dedication to the profession and educating others.

Karen, Education and Learning Facilitator at Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), received the award at the RCN annual Congress in Liverpool. It is the highest honour that the RCN bestow on members, given to recognise those who have dedicated their time and energy to helping RCN members.

Karen is a Registered General Nurse, RCN Learning Representative, Workplace Learning Facilitator, and mentor to individual learners and colleagues. She is the first Cumbrian representative to receive the award in 25 years.

Karen commented: “I was over the moon when I found out about the award, I really couldn’t believe it. To receive this level of recognition from my peers is really very special. The learning and development of others has always been part of who I am and I strongly believe everyone should have the opportunity to reach their potential. I couldn’t have achieved any of this without the support of my teams and managers who believed in my role as a learning representative. So I’d like to say a huge thank you to them and to those who nominated me.”

Toni Hall, Education and Learning Manager at CPFT, said: “Karen’s commitment and passion for improving patient care through the development of nurses and support workers is inspirational and has benefitted staff and service development in many ways. Karen is well-known for her strong values of kindness and fairness and her passion for supporting equal opportunities for all. This award is richly deserved.”

Peta Clark, Operational Manager for RCN Northern region, said: “Karen is incredibly enthusiastic, passionate and committed to lifelong workplace learning. She has worked to promote and facilitate learning to RCN activists, members and staff. She focuses on developing every member of the nursing family, helping them to deliver quality care for patients.”

The Royal College of Nursing is the world’s largest nursing union and professional body. They represent more than 435,000 nurses, student nurses, midwives and health care assistants in the UK and internationally.

(Pictured: Karen Dutton receiving her Award of Merit at Congress 2019)