Allegations
It was alleged that the Member committed professional misconduct during her provision of nursing care to a palliative patient in the last days of the patient’s life. Specifically, it was alleged that the Member failed to reposition the patient, failed to administer pain medication, and treated the patient roughly during bathing.
Member’s Position
The Member denied the allegations.
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; 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 each presented the Panel with a different Proposed Order. The Panel considered the parties proposed orders and made an order that included the following:
- an oral reprimand;
- a 2-month suspension; and
- terms, conditions and limitations including:
- attending at least 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- employer notification for 12 months.
The Panel noted that that there were many aggravating factors and few mitigating factors in the Member’s case. The penalty imposed by the Panel takes into account specific deterrence, general deterrence and remediation and rehabilitation, all with a view to public protection. The Panel concluded that the penalty ordered is reasonable, in the public interest and in line with what has been ordered in previous cases in similar circumstances.