Facts
The Member admitted that she engaged in professional misconduct. In July 2023, the Member submitted a resume to a staffing agency containing false information about her work history. She falsely indicated that her prior nursing experience including over a year of work in an emergency department (“ED”). As a result, she was offered a temporary position in another facility’s ED. She worked four shifts, during which that facility received reports from other staff members regarding the length of time it took her to complete triage and other tasks. The facility contacted the prior employer on the Member’s resume, which advised that the Member had not worked in their ED.
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:
- signed or issued, in her professional capacity, a document that she knew or ought to have known contained a false or misleading statement;
- 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 1-month suspension;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- attending 1 meeting 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.
The Panel indicated that it was troubled by the Member’s conduct, and that it was inappropriate to misrepresent one’s experience to gain employment in a speciality care area. The Panel noted, however, that the Member previously met with a regulatory expert and that she has sought to improve her understanding of her professional obligations.