On This Page
Sherry Hope, 9582792
The Member admitted that she engaged in professional misconduct while applying a blood pressure cuff to a patient when she responded dismissively to the patient’s complaint that the blood pressure cuff was too tight, handled the patient roughly and applied the blood pressure cuff in such a way that caused bruising, and used intimidating or insensitive body and verbal language with the patient. The Member also removed the patient’s hospital ID bracelet, which listed medical allergies, and did not replace it. The Member further admitted that she engaged in professional misconduct with a second patient when she failed to identify herself or her role when speaking to the patient, used an aggressive, insensitive or inappropriate tone when speaking to the patient and discussing the patient’s medical history, discussed the patient’s medical history in a non-private setting, and used a sarcastic or inappropriate tone of voice to communicate test results to the patient.
Based on the Member’s admissions, the Panel found the Member:
- contravened a standard of practice of the profession or failed to meet the standards of practice of the profession;
- verbally, physically and emotionally abused patients; 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.
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; and
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- attending a minimum of 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- employer notification for 18 months.
The Panel accepted the Joint Submission on Order, concluding that the proposed penalty was reasonable and in the public interest.
Mitigating factors considered by the Panel included:
- the Member has been a member of CNO since 1993;
- the Member has no prior discipline history with CNO;
- the Member has acknowledged and accepted responsibility for the misconduct;
- the Member has participated in the Agreed Statement of Facts and a Joint Submission on Order which avoids the need for a contested hearing; and
- the Member has agreed to meet with a Regulatory Expert at her own expense.
