7538705

Allegations and Plea

The College alleged that the Member asked to borrow Client A’s credit card to pay her annual renewal fee with the College and subsequently used his card for this purpose; asked Client A if she could move in with him; asked Client B if she could have some of his pain medication because she had run out of her own prescription; and asked Client C’s daughter if she could move in with her or with Client C. The College also alleged that this conduct would be regarded as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

The Member was neither present nor represented by counsel at the hearing. The hearing proceeded on the basis that the Member denied the allegations.

Evidence

The Member worked as part of a multidisciplinary team of health care providers supplying care in clients’ homes. A nurse manager who had spoken with Clients A and B testified about their conversations with the Member. Client C’s daughter testified about the conversation she overheard between her mother (Client C) and the Member. An expert testified with regard to the therapeutic nurse-client relationship standard.

Finding

The Panel found that the evidence supported findings of professional misconduct as alleged. The Member’s repeated boundary violations and emotional abuse of three clients on separate occasions, combined with the dishonesty of borrowing a client’s credit card and failing to repay, shows a moral failing. Her behaviour was manipulative and brought disrepute to the profession.

Submissions on Order

The College sought an oral reprimand and a five-month suspension. The Member would be required to complete specified remediation activities in preparation for a series of meetings with a nursing expert. For 24 months after the Member's suspension ends, the Member would be required to advise the College of her employers, provide employers with a copy of the Panel’s decision and reasons, and only practise for an employer who agreed to advise the College if the Member breached the standards of practice of the profession. For 12 months, the Member would not be permitted to practise independently in the community.

Panel Order

The Panel accepted the submission. The order protects the public and provides for general and specific deterrence. The Panel believes the order will help the Member's rehabilitation, which helps to protect the public. The Member’s conduct was serious.

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