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Melesa Narain, AI121834
Facts
The Member admitted that she engaged in professional misconduct. The Member was employed as a staff nurse at a facility that provided rehabilitation programs to adults experiencing substance use disorders. Between July and August 2020, the Member engaged in a personal, romantic and sexual relationship with one of the patients, which included exchanging text messages, sharing personal information, kissing and “making out”. In November 2020, the Member engaged in a personal, romantic and sexual relationship with a second patient at the facility, which included exchanging phone numbers, kissing, cuddling and “fooling around” in the patient’s room.
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:
- sexually abused a patient;
- contravened a standard of practice of the profession or failed to meet the standards of practice of the profession; and
- engaged in conduct or performed an act, 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 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 10-month suspension;
- terms, conditions and limitations including:
- successful completion of the CPEP PROBE: Ethics and Boundaries Program;
- attending at least 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert;
- employer notification for 36 months;
- restrictions on independent practice for 18 months; and
- reimburse CNO for funding provided for therapy and counselling, up to $5,000 for each patient, if the fund is accessed.
The Panel accepted the Joint Submission on Order, concluding that the proposed order was reasonable and in the public interest. The Panel noted that the Member cooperated with CNO and accepted responsibility by agreeing to the facts and the proposed order.
