Facts
The Member admitted that he engaged in professional misconduct. In August 2023, while working as a Registered Nurse in a small community hospital’s emergency department, the Member saw a patient with suspected bacterial vaginosis. Before examining the patient, the Member did not prepare the bed or provide the patient with a gown or sheet. The Member remained in the curtained area while the patient lowered her pants and underwear, but it was not alleged that he watched the patient undress. The Member conducted a vaginal examination of the patient while the patient was in a partially undressed state, without the direction of a physician and which was not clinically necessary.
Discipline Committee’s Findings
Based on the Member’s admissions, a panel of the Discipline Committee of the College of Nurses of Ontario (the “Panel”) found that the Member:
- contravened a standard of practice of the profession or failed to meet the standards of practice of the profession; and
- engaged in conduct, relevant to the practice of nursing, that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as dishonourable and unprofessional.
Discipline Committee’s Order
The College of Nurses of Ontario (“CNO”) and the Member presented the Panel with a Joint Submission on Order requesting that the Panel make an order that included the following:
- an oral reprimand;
- a 4-month suspension;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- attending a minimum of 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- employer notification for 12 months.
The Panel accepted the Joint Submission on Order, concluding that the proposed penalty was reasonable and in the public interest. The Panel noted that the Member cooperated with the CNO and accepted responsibility by agreeing to the facts and a proposed order.