On This Page
Amie Moore, 0455824
Facts
The Member admitted that she engaged in professional misconduct. The patient was recovering from a hip replacement surgery at a long-term care home and their feet were swollen. The Member was called to assist with a transfer of the patient from their bed to the washroom. The Member was frustrated and spoke to the patient in an inappropriate tone when she told the patient she needed to put shoes on with a proper grip. The Member then attempted to put two different pairs of shoes on the patient, causing the patient pain. When the shoes did not fit, the Member threw them into the patient’s closet and the closet door slammed shut. The Member then told the patient in a raised voice that their son had to bring new shoes to the patient no later than the following day.
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;
- abused the patient verbally and emotionally; 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 2-month suspension; and
- terms, conditions and limitations including:
- attending 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- employer notification for 9 months.
The Panel accepted the Joint Submission on Order, concluding that the proposed order was reasonable and in the public interest. The Panel stated that the Member cooperated with the CNO and accepted responsibility by agreeing to the facts and a proposed penalty.
The Panel also noted that patients expect nurses to be respectful, empathetic and foster a therapeutic relationship despite the hardships of the work environment. The work stress that the Member was under unfortunately impacted care to the patient and the Member created a mistrustful relationship with the patient.
