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B.C. nurse disciplined over long-term care problems

A Victoria nurse was working at two long-term care facilities where problems with medication administration, documentation, physical assessments, and wound care were found.
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Nurses in B.C. are regulated by the College of Nurses and Midwives.

B.C.’s College of Nurses and Midwives has disciplined and reprimanded a Victoria nurse for practice problems and for breaching an earlier discipline agreement.

On Sept. 10, a college inquiry committee panel approved an agreement with Nathan Anderson to address both the breach agreement and conduct and practice issues related to medication administration, documentation, physical assessments, and wound care between July 10 and Aug. 15, 2023.

Anderson was working at two long-term care facilities, the college said in a public notice.

Anderson has agreed to a two-week suspension for repeated breaches in relation to documentation, medication administration, and physical assessments.

He also agreed to the public reprimand for breaching the terms of a previous agreement with the college, and to direct and indirect supervision and workplace mentorship of his nursing practice for four months.

The college said that, for the duration of supervised practice and workplace mentorship, he must: 

• have only one employer;

• not supervise students or orient new staff; 

• stay with the same employer and in the same practice setting and unit;

• not work alone for six months after the completion of their direct and indirect supervision/mentorship period;

• complete a regulatory practice consultation program to address the foundational issues underpinning this agreement; and,

• develop a learning plan, which will be shared with their employer and with the college.

The college is currently one of 18 regulatory bodies empowered under the Health Professions Act to regulate health professions in B.C. It regulates the practice of four distinct professions: nursing, practical nursing, psychiatric nursing and midwifery. 

Similar legislation in other self-regulated areas such as the legal and notary public professions also allows citizens to know about discipline issues in the public interest.

“The inquiry committee is satisfied that the terms will protect the public,” the college said.