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Celebrating Excellence in Nursing: Dawn Stephens Named Queen's Nurse

Updated: Feb 23, 2024


two women smiling holding a certificate
Dawn Stephens receiving her Queen's Nurse award


The title of "Queen's Nurse" is a prestigious recognition of commitment to ongoing learning, leadership, and excellence in the field. It's not merely an award; it's a symbol of dedication to providing the highest quality care in the community. In 2023, Dawn Stephens, the Regional Nurse Coordinator for Parish Nursing Ministries UK, was honoured with this esteemed title. 


With a solid history of working in the health and wellness industry, she brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Regional Nurse Coordinator for PNMUK. Her nursing skills encompass disease management, palliative care, acute medical care, holistic assessment, leadership, and the support of healthcare teams. But what truly sets Dawn apart is her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the community.


Dawn has been serving as a PNMUK Coordinator, envisioning and running the Explore Online programme to introduce the work of PNMUK to new nurses and new churches. This initiative has not only showcased her leadership but has also significantly contributed to the field of community nursing. Additionally, Dawn served as a Parish Nurse in South Yorkshire. 


The title of Queen's Nurse is not something to be taken lightly. It's a recognition of a nurse's tireless efforts to excel in the field of healthcare, particularly in the community setting. The title of Queen's Nurse was reintroduced in 2007 after a hiatus of almost 40 years. Since its reintroduction, it has become a symbol of dedication and a commitment to the highest standards of care. To become a Queen's Nurse, a nurse must complete a rigorous online application process. Each application is assessed anonymously by two experienced assessors, and there's an additional moderation process to ensure fairness and transparency.


Moreover, Queen's Nurses must have at least five years of experience working in the community. The criteria also allow educators and service managers to apply, extending the recognition to those who make significant contributions in various roles within healthcare.


Dawn Stephens is not alone in this prestigious recognition. In 2023, a total of 563 nurses working in various community specialisms were awarded the title of Queen's Nurse. This brings the total number of Queen's Nurses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to over 2500. The title has been awarded to several other Parish Nurses, including Gill Fenner and Rachel McReady. 


The Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) plays a pivotal role in appointing Queen's Nurses. The recipients will officially receive their badges and certificates at the QNI's Awards Ceremony on December 8th at a venue in central London. This event is not just a celebration of individual achievements; it's a recognition of the collective dedication to providing exceptional healthcare in the community.


The Queen's Nurse network is made possible through the generosity of the National Garden Scheme, a longstanding strategic partner of the QNI. Their support ensures that the legacy of Queen's Nurses continues to thrive, and the impact of these dedicated professionals continues to grow.

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