Facts
The Member admitted that she engaged in professional misconduct. In October 2020, while employed as a Registered Nurse (“RN”) at a Continuing Care Centre of a hospital, the Member failed to ensure that a patient’s oxygen was continuously connected when supplemental oxygen had been ordered and did not document the patient’s vital signs during her shift. In February 2021, while working as an RN at a long-term care residence, the Member dropped a patient’s tablet of hydromorphone. The Member failed to dispose of the tablet and document the medication wastage in the electronic medical record with a witness signature as required, and documented that the patient had received all of his scheduled medication. In March 2021, at the same long-term care facility, the Member pre-poured medications for multiple patients at the same time and left narcotic medications unattended in an unlocked drawer of a mobile nursing station.
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;
- 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 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 3-month suspension;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- attending a minimum of 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert;
- successful completion of the Essentials of Patient Safety course at the Member’s own expense;
- employer notification for 12 months; and
- mentorship with a pre-approved RN in her workplace for a period of at least 6 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.