Facts
The Member admitted that he engaged in professional misconduct. In four separate incidents that occurred between March 2019 and May 2020, the Member restrained vulnerable patients without following proper de-escalation and/or restraint techniques, used excessive force when interacting with patients, failed to listen to directions of the charge nurse, and caused a patient to slip out of her chair and fall.
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;
- abused patients verbally, physically, and/or emotionally; and
- engaged in conduct or performed an act, relevant to the practice of nursing, that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, 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 including:
- an oral reprimand;
- a 7-month suspension;
- terms, conditions and limitations including:
- attending at least 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert;
- employer notification for 12 months; and
- restrictions on independent practice 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, by agreeing to the facts and a proposed penalty, has accepted responsibility. The Panel considered that the Member was suffering from a medical condition at the time, which impaired his ability to respond appropriately.