Annie Clothier, a vascular clinical nurse specialist at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, was recognised for her contribution to vascular care.
She was praised for her expertise, compassion, and leadership in vascular nursing, as well as her patient-centred approach and efforts to transform vascular services across the health board.
Helen Whyley, executive director of RCN Wales, said: “Annie is more than an exceptional nurse.
“She is a national leader, mentor and tireless advocate for her patients.
“Her commitment to excellence, innovation and compassionate care represents the very best of our profession.
“Annie’s passion for advancing vascular nursing includes combining her clinical expertise with humanity to improve outcomes for patients.
“She truly embodies the heart, skill and spirit of nursing.”
Ms Clothier played a key role in the transition of acute services to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, always putting patients first.
She also secured Welsh Government funding to lead the first nurse-led research project into wound care at ABUHB.
Beyond her clinical work, Ms Clothier is chair of the Legs Matter national group and contributes to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Vascular and Venous Disease.
Ms Clothier said: “I was very surprised to win the award.
“People don’t always realise the scale of what we do.
“We’re a small community in vascular care across the UK but we work incredibly hard to make sure our patients are truly seen and properly supported.
“Recognition matters for the resources and understanding our patients desperately need.
“I’ll be in parliament in a couple of weeks again raise awareness with Members of Parliament.
“I’m proud of the work we’re doing, and even prouder to speak up for the people who rely on us every day.
“Hopefully, winning this award will help take that message forward.”
The 12th annual RCN Wales Nurse of the Year Awards took place at the Cardiff Holland House.
The event was hosted by broadcaster Jason Mohammad and attended by dignitaries including His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant Dr Isabel Graham, the lord mayor of Cardiff Councillor Adrian Robson, Professor Nicola Ranger, chief executive and general secretary of the RCN, RCN president Bejoy Sebastian, RCN chair of council Carmel Boyle, and chief nursing officer for Wales Sue Tranka.
Other winners from across Wales included Dr Sheila Shepley, nurse consultant in epilepsy at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and Paula Heycock, head of nursing, primary, community and therapies, Swansea Bay University Health Board.
The awards also recognised rising talent, with Alwen Sayer from Wrexham University named Nursing Student of the Year.
The RCN represents around 32,000 members in Wales and works to promote nursing and patient interests, as well as influence healthcare policy.
The awards highlight the vital contributions of nurses and healthcare professionals across Wales, celebrating their dedication to improving patient care and advancing the profession.