Facts
The Member admitted that he engaged in professional misconduct in February 2022 by turning a patient aggressively, which caused the patient to scream and become agitated, and by yelling “shut up” to the patient multiple times in response. Regarding a different patient, the Member was overheard by another RN and visitor saying that he was “going to fucking kill him”.
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;
- verbally, physically and emotionally abused a patient;
- 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;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- attending a minimum of 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- employer notification for 12 months.
The Panel accepted the Joint Submission on Order, concluding that the proposed penalty was reasonable and in the public interest. The Panel noted that the Member cooperated with the CNO and accepted responsibility by agreeing to the facts and a proposed order.