The Member was not present or represented by legal counsel at the hearing. The hearing proceeded in his absence.
Facts
While working as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department of a hospital in or around March 2021, the Member failed to follow the Facility’s PPE policy on numerous occasions. The Member also failed to provide adequate care to one patient and/or document that he had provided care by failing to conduct an assessment, failing to administer medications as ordered, and failing to take the Patient’s vital signs.
Discipline Committee’s Findings
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;
- failed to keep records as required; 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 Panel made an order that included the following:
- an oral reprimand;
- a 10-month suspension;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- attending a minimum of] 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert;
- the successful completion of nursing courses approved by the College at the Member’s expense regarding medication administration and health assessment;
- employer notification for 24 months; and
- monthly meetings with a nursing mentor for between 8 – 12 months upon his return to practice; and,
- no independent practice for 24 months.
The Panel noted that there was a previous finding of professional misconduct against the Member in 2018 relating to similar issues, which the Panel considered to be an aggravating factor.