A Cumbrian nurse has received a special award for her commitment to educating others in the profession.

Karen Dutton, a clinical educator at Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, was awarded the RCN’s Award of Merit at the Royal College of Nursing annual Congress in Liverpool.

This is the highest honour the RCN bestows on those who have made an exceptional contribution to supporting its members.

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 across the Cumbria branch and her workplace. She focusses on developing every member of the nursing family involved in care."

As an RCN learning representative, Karen has worked at a national, regional and local level to promote workplace learning and career development opportunities

Glenn Turp, RCN Northern regional director, added: “Karen embodies and upholds the RCN values in helping nurses and staff realise their full potential, playing an enormously important role in supporting the learning and career development of members in the workplace.

"Karen is a huge asset to the Royal College, her employers and to the NHS and truly deserves to be recognised for the outstanding contribution she has made.

"I am very proud of Karen and of all our representatives who work tirelessly for members ‘behind the scenes’ to make positive changes. It is great to see their successes being held up to the spotlight and celebrated.”

The RCN Congress is taking place this week.