Karen Pask’s career in theatre nursing has been shaped by a single guiding principle: putting patients at the heart of everything she does.

She began as a scrub nurse, quickly recognising the vulnerability of patients entering the operating theatre.

“Patients face the fear of the unknown, with no control over the outcome of their surgery,” she explains.

For parents, entrusting their children to the team, Karen understood the responsibility of providing care, reassurance, and attention throughout the perioperative journey.

In her early role, Karen learned to anticipate every step of a procedure, working closely with surgeons and the theatre team. The experience taught her the importance of focus, knowledge, and teamwork in delivering safe and effective care at moments when patients are most vulnerable.

Progressing to theatre sister, Karen embraced leadership while keeping patient safety central. She guided colleagues, set high standards, and encouraged professional development across the team, from newly qualified nurses to Health Care Support Workers and ODPs, ensuring everyone could provide the best possible care.

As Senior Nurse and later Lead Nurse at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Karen expanded her focus from individual patients to the entire department. She led quality improvement projects, developed safer theatre practices, and fostered a culture where patient wellbeing was always the priority.

“Leading in a high-pressure operating theatre environment is challenging,” she notes, “combined with the mindset of treating every patient like a family member, the emotional, ethical and operational challenges become even more intense – but also more meaningful”.

Through every stage of her career, Karen has remained committed to ensuring patients are safe, supported, and cared for at their most vulnerable. Her dedication has not only shaped the quality of patient care but also inspired countless colleagues to grow into confident, skilled healthcare professionals.

Karen Pask’s story is one of compassion, leadership, and a career devoted to putting patients first.

Pictures show Karen.