The Member was not present or represented by legal counsel at the hearing. The hearing proceeded in his absence.
Facts
In December 2019, while working as a Registered Practical Nurse (“RPN”) at a long-term care home (the “Facility”), the Member grabbed and shoved a patient, and spoke aggressively to the patient. The Member also administered regular dosage flu vaccines to four patients who should have received the high-dose vaccine. The Member’s certificate of registration is currently expired.
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;
- physically, verbally and emotionally abused a patient; and
- engaged in conduct, 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 Panel made an order that included the following:
- an oral reprimand;
- a 5-month suspension to take effect from the date that the Member obtains an active certificate of registration;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- attending a minimum of 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- employer notification for 18 months.
The Panel noted that physical, verbal and emotional abuse by members is contrary to the expectations of patients, employers and the public and will not be tolerated.