Karen Last, Registered Nurse

Professional Experience

Since qualifying as a Registered General Nurse in 2009, I have built a robust career across a range of community-based healthcare settings. My initial role in a district nursing team provided extensive clinical training and exposure to managing complex patient needs.

Currently I am registered with a nursing agency and currently undertake clinical shifts in nursing homes and community settings. My most recent NHS role was as Ward Manager of a 23-bedded intermediate care centre focused on rehabilitation for elderly patients with high levels of frailty. In addition to clinical duties, I led a multidisciplinary team, managed staff rotas, recruitment, supervision, and appraisals, and chaired monthly staff meetings. I oversaw clinical governance, reviewed incident reports, resolved complex complaints, and implemented learning outcomes. I conducted regular audits to identify and address areas for improvement, ensuring a safe and effective care environment.

In 2022, I played a key role in establishing a Frailty Virtual Ward, designed to support older patients experiencing acute exacerbations of frailty-related conditions at home, thereby avoiding hospital admission. I was responsible for triaging referrals from GPs, hospital teams, and other agencies, conducting holistic assessments, and formulating care plans.

As a stroke nurse between 2013 and 2022, I contributed to patient care and service development, while also delivering training at workshops and a local university.

Professional Development

Throughout my career, I have prioritised continuous professional development—for myself and my teams. I qualified as a Nurse Prescriber in 2014 and have maintained clinical competence through regular practice. I have organised and delivered training sessions for colleagues and students, ensuring high standards of care and a supportive learning environment. My leadership approach has consistently focused on mentoring staff, promoting skill development, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
I have also undertaken formal training in incident review, complaint resolution, and audit processes, equipping me with the skills to manage clinical risk and improve service delivery. My experience spans both operational and strategic aspects of healthcare, with a strong emphasis on patient safety, staff engagement, and service quality.