The College of Nurses of Ontario brought disciplinary proceedings against a Registered Practical Nurse for professional misconduct involving the physical, verbal, and emotional abuse of a vulnerable patient with Down Syndrome.
The Member did not attend the hearing.
Based on the testimony of an eyewitness and an expert in nursing standards, the Discipline Committee found that the Member breached professional standards by pointing her finger at the patient, pulling her arm, scratching her, slapping her across the face, and making an unprofessional comment.
The Committee ordered a six-month suspension, an oral reprimand, and various terms and conditions on the Member's certificate of registration.
