November 24, 2023 - 400 views
A health professional with more than 30 years’ experience has proved she really is a “quality matron” after being accepted as a Queen’s Nurse (QN).
Kara Roberts is a member of Betsi Cadwaladr's Care Home Corporate Quality Development Team and recently found out she will join around 2,500 of her colleagues across England, Wales and Northern Ireland as a QN.
Her career started when she was just 18 years’ old. She completed her Level 2 and 3 NVQs, which gave her the chance to study nursing - qualifying as a registered nurse in 2005.
After working on care of the elderly and in the coronary care unit, Kara realised her passion was teaching and became a practice development nurse. That led to her gaining a Master’s degree in Leading in Quality.
She is now the appropriately titled quality matron for commissioning services and works with all six North Wales local authorities to improve care home quality across the region.
Executive director of nursing, Angela Wood, said: “I so pleased for Kara and I congratulate her on this achievement.
“We know the care sector has suffered over recent times and it is vital we have good quality care services for our population. They have a vital impact on the running of our health board.
“It is comforting to know we have dedicated nurses like Kara sharing knowledge, working with our partners and helping those services improve and follow best practice.
“I’m so proud to have another colleague honoured and recognised in this way. Well done Kara.”
Kara believes gaining this recognition gives her a chance to collaborate and spread learning, even farther than she does already.
She said: “Becoming a Queen’s Nurse is an honour and will spur me on to continue promoting the highest quality of care in homes across North Wales, as well as being a good role model to other peers and colleagues within the social care sector.
“Becoming a Queen’s Nurse will enable me to link into the care home network and also utilise the resources on the Queen’s Nursing Institute website.
“I want to be an excellent role model within my field, sharing values such as leadership, learning and development.
“I also want to demonstrate good quality care and develop education and training across North Wales.”
The title of Queen’s Nurse (QN) is available to individual nurses who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to patient care and nursing practice.
Nurses, health visitors and midwives with five years’ experience working in the community/primary care/social care are eligible to apply.
The Queen’s Nurse title allows holders to access professional support networks, developmental programmes and bursaries – and is a formal recognition of the holder’s commitment to improving patient care.
The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) - the oldest nursing charity in the world, awards the QN title.
The QNI was founded by Queen Victoria in 1887 and has always been patronised by a Queen, even when a King was on the throne.
When the Queen Mother died in 2002, Queen Elizabeth II became the patron. On her death, last year, the role fell to Queen Camilla, the King’s Consort.
Kara will receive her award on December 8, in London.
