The College of Nurses and Midwives of BC has suspended a nurse for four months as a result of medication errors and subsequent conduct. On Nov. 3, a college investigative team approved a consent order with Bionic Nicolas to address issues related to an incident on April 14, 2022. The incident related to unsafe medication practices — leading to a medication error involving multiple drugs — and dishonest with the employer, a colleague and a patient about the matter. The agreement stated that Nicolas voluntarily agreed to a reprimand and a four-month suspension and supervision of their nursing practice for two years. A two-year limit was also agreed which banned them from multiple employers, being the only registered nurse on duty, taking role duties, working overtime or supervising students or staff. Nicolas must also undertake counseling sessions focusing on issues of truth and accountability in a professional context. The college is one of 18 regulatory bodies empowered under the Health Professions Act to regulate health professions in BC. It regulates the practice of four different professions: nursing, practical nursing, psychiatric nursing and midwifery. Similar legislation in other self-regulated sectors, such as the legal and notarial professions, also allows citizens to be aware of disciplinary matters in the public interest. “The inquiry committee is satisfied that the terms will protect the public,” the college said. [email protected] twitter.com/jhainswo
